I've had the lower coolant elbow on a 97/98 break an o-ring once......I just took the o-ring from the plastic one and put it on the aluminum one.

If you do break that part of the bracket, it might be a good time to "upgrade" to the 99+ bracket and alternator......especially if you ever plan on a Gen5 swap. (the alternator electrical post hits the snout of the Gen5)