92' Ranger Supercab with 2.9 V6.
I need to replace my water pump which I know how to do. It has been leaking all summer. Water pump still works but runs warmer. I wonder if I should consider
replacing the front cover (or timing chain cover) gasket also. Is the front cover gasket ever associated with coolant leaks? There are no significant oil leaks other than
slow seepage.

 

The 3.0 is notorious for coolant leaks at the timing cover to block gasket. Don't know if the 2.9 shares the problem.
You will be loosening/removing most of the bolts holding the timing cover to the block in order to pull the pump so the timing cover gasket seal could be affected.
Downside of pulling the timing cover is that you'll have to remove/install the harmonic balancer (which is a pain) and also loosen the oil pan bolts and remove the front 2 so you run the risk of causing an oil leak there.
I'd say cross your fingers and leave the timing cover alone. Unless the engine has a ton of miles and you want to change the timing chain and sprockets.

 

I would strongly recommend do it it while the pump is out, why do the job twice.

 

My truck does not have a harmonic balancer. I have the typical water pump weep hole leak. I'll have to think about this. Thanks.