Picked up my Ranger today from my mechanic buddy. He changed the water pump, upper timing chain tensioners, thermostat housing, thermostat, temperature sensor, idler pulley, tensioner pulley, and serpentine belt with new parts. The radiator hoses had already been changed. I provided all the new parts. All were Motorcraft, except for the aluminum Simmons thermostat housing and the idler pulley (AC Delco). The Motorcraft Gold coolant had been changed only ~6,000 miles ago and it was clean, so he reused it. I had provided new Gold coolant, but he didn't need to use any of it.
Interesting thing: the original water pump had corrosion on the impeller (covered with rust) and it was damp around the weep hole, so that pump probably didn't have much longer. Originally I told him I wasn't so worried about his replacing the water pump, but he said that since I had a new one and he was doing all the other work in that area, he might as well change it too. I'm glad now he did. The truck has 113,200 miles on it, so that should give an idea for the rest of you wondering about your water pumps. But I'm used to water pumps lasting longer miles.
The original tensioners seemed to be in good shape, with the plunger springs still strong. The driver's side one had a bit of rust on the long exposed end. The shorter passenger's one had no rust.
The truck runs like a champ and the temperature gauge is in exactly the same spot as before the work. You'd better believe I looked out for my buddy when I paid him.
And thanks to everyone here who recommended I get this work done on the truck after I bought it.
Next thing will be an oil and filter change.