New jeep owner :)

Just bought a 96 xj 2dr 4.0 with the 5spd, black.

Loving is so far, except for one problem, I think my waterpump just sprung a leak. noticed the engine temp light come on driving home, lost power steering. stoped to check, and coolant was pouring out the bottom.
looks like it's coming from the waterpump/hose, since It got all over the belt. Probably what caused the power steering to act up. Sound like a familiar problem to anyone?

Well common? Since most own them for a long time yes. Watch out that it is really the lower hose. It could be coming out the Water Pump. Gushing? Well no. Good leak though. The Pump has a hole for when the seal fails around the bearing letting the water out of the system. So look close and be sure. If you replace the hose, be sure to get one with the spring in it. The pump can colapse the others. And if you do that one then do the others for preventitive reasons.