water pump change on 96 neon easy ? hard ? whats the worst part of the job?

The WP is driven by the timing belt. You may as well put a new on of those on and a new timing belt tensioner.

Worst part of the job is lack of room to work in there, BTDT.

Like a lot of things, its easy if you do it a lot. I don't.

As mentioned, it is driven by the timing belt and you would usually service them together. If you haven't changed a Neon timing belt often or ever, allow plenty of time. To help gain access to the pump, it helps to unbolt the engine mount on that side and raise or lower the engine a little as needed with floor jack and wood block under the pan. I found getting the crank pulley off takes a good 3 jaw puller... its tight.

SOHCs are easier than DOHCs. Raising and lowering the engine with the mounts loose is good advice. And get the right puller for that lower pulley. It can be a bear. Some O'Reilly's actually rent the correct puller. But the extensions that go into the crank bolt hole are too short and you usually have to make an extra extension.

If you go ahead and do this, ask your questions here. There should be plenty of guys that have done these. And then there is NEONS.ORG, too.

Best thing you could do is buy a factory service manual.