Amazon.com normally carries Mopar, I wouldn't install a store brand. We can likely point you in the right direction if you'll just tell us the basics on your Jeep... year and engine type.

Edit... nevermind, just figured out you have an '04 LJ and Mr. Bills just gave you some good info below.

 

Unless you have time constraints it would be better to wait for the Mopar water pumps to be back in stock.

The most current Mopar P/N is 68382492AA, which replaces P/N's 5012366AB, 5012366AC, 5012366AD, 5012366AE, 5012366AF, and 5012366AG.

If you must replace your water pump sooner rather than later, a Mopar P/N 5012366AF is currently available on Amazon. Although it bears a superseded part number, it is most likely NOS (new old stock) and there is no reason to believe that it is any different than the Mopar water pump with the most current part number. In other words, it should fit your engine without issues. See: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009DKISHK?tag=vs-auto-convert-amazon-20

Note that the Mopar water pump on Amazon is substantially more expensive than the price for the newest part number pump that is currently on backorder. Being the frugal person that I am, my inclination would be to wait for water pump with the latest part number to be back in stock.

 

Thanks guys

What online Mopar delears are trusted?

I tried Moparonlineparts and they were backordered. Local dealer is also backordered.

 

If you don't want the Amazon sourced Mopar water pump, which I'd go for, try www.wermopar.com

 

So what is the issue with water pumps other than Mopar? Is it a longevity issue? or do they cause overheating? I've installed dozens of water pumps and have never ran into an issue with a re-man.

 

Is that dozens of water pumps on dozens of different jeeps or dozens of waterpumps on the same few jeeps?

If the latter, you may have answered your own question.

All kidding aside, I have used remanufactured water pumps on older jeeps with the 4.2 engine without any failures, but I have never had occasion to change a water pump on the 97-06 jeep 4.0 motor so I have no personal knowledge on the subject. The "common wisdom" on the Internet is to stick with the Mopar water pump for the 4.0, and there is anecdotal evidence that aftermarket pumps have a greater failure rate than the Mopar pump, but that anecdotal evidence may be skewed by the same poster(s) repeating the mantra over and over so often that it has become "truth."

My suspicion is that a quality aftermarket water pump from a known manufacturer will work just as well, but considering the time and trouble to change water pumps in relation to the cost difference for a Mopar pump it would not be worth it to me to take the chance that the "common wisdom" is unfounded.

At my age I want replacement parts to last as long as me so I can spend as much time as possible behind the wheel and less with wrench in hand.

 

While I agree that OEM is the way to go, but my NAPA Tru-flow waterpump is still going strong after 5 years (knock on wood!) pumping Zerex G-05 through its veins.

 

The biggest problem with store brand parts like water pumps, sensors, etc. is their quality is very (!) hit or miss. You can count on OEM Mopar for critical uses, not so with most of the store brands. I'll take a chance on the quality of things like floor mats and seat covers but not on mission-critical parts like water pumps, radiators, starter motors, alternators, axle shafts, etc.

 

The Mopar pump I bought a number of years ago looked exactly like a Duralast pump. The housing is fairly unimportant though, it’s all about the bearings and it's impossible to know what the innards are.

 

OEM water pump is only an extra $100 versus a store brand. I would much rather spend a few extra dollars than deal with a failed water pump on the trail while it?s 100 degrees and on vacation.

 

I have an AC Delco because mine failed in cold winter and I didn't want to do it. The shop I went to wasn't cooperative regarding what brand replacement to use. They give a three year warranty so we will see what happens.