I am currently in the middle of changing my water pump on my 94j30t. Tomorrow I have to buy the tool to pull my crankshaft pulley. My question is, is it necessary to pull the starter and wedge a screwdriver in the flywheel? And if so, Why? I would have to borrow jack stands from a friend which wouldn't be a problem, but need to know if this is a must do step. Also, I had trouble with the belt for the air conditioner. I loosened the tensioner but it wouldn't budge so I used some screwdrivers to remove the belt. I don't want to try and put it back on that way any suggestions. Thanks for your help!

Locking the flywheel allows you to break the big nut on the crank pulley free.
If you have a good air wrench, that may work without locking the flywheel.
Your tensioner isn't loose enough or its seized onto the bracket somehow. Loosen the center nut more or take it off completely and see what's up.