Multiple questions regarding gaskets etc

[CJ7JEEP1979]

I had my recently purchased 79 CJ7 checked out by two different shops and they both agree the only things mechanically wrong with my Jeep are the following:

Steering shaft needs to be replaced, valve cover gaskets need to be replaced, rear main seal needs to be replaced, water pump needs to be replaced (all ready knew this) and the oil pump gasket needs to be replaced. I was shocked that this was all that it needed. I am curious though about one thing. Valve cover gaskets I can do myself along with the water pump. The problem is that both shops are telling me that if I replace the water pump myself they will have to take it right back off because they have to remove the timing cover to replace the oil pump gasket. Looking at the kit the oil pump gasket appears to be replaceable without removing the timing cover. Am I missing something here? I have a AMC 304 amc bored .30 over with a big cam in it and a T18a 4 speed. This was already done before I purchased it and I was told the oil pump was new. Does the timing cover actually have to come off?

 

[hagar]

No, not for the oil pump. But be advised that cover gasket is a special gasket and has to be a correct thickness for gear clearance.
If the timing cover gasket were bad/leaking, then the timing cover would need to come off. Even then, it would not be necessary to remove the water pump if I recall.

 

[CJ7JEEP1979]

Thank you! My apologies for not getting back to you sooner!