Ok, so it's been a few years since I've turned a wrench under the hood of a vehicle, though I dont think much has changed. I am planning on replacing the thermostat on my D, 99 4x4 with the 5.2L engine, can someone point me in the general direction of where it is located? Also, should I buy the gasket, or just silicone it? We are hoping that this fixes one problem, that being that the D never warms up during the cold periods. We are working on getting the steering issue fixed, but that is going to take some money...

Thank you in advance,

Bear

 

Use the gasket and RTV. As for the location of the t-stat just follow the upper radiator hose to the block and you will find the housing.

 

huh, check that... Use a mopar gasket and no sealant... the mopar ones have sealant in them and work great. I have yet to have on leak on me. Another thing to suggest is to drill a small air bleed hole in the diaphram of the t-stat to aid in refilling the coolant system.

 

drilling a hole in the t-stat? wouldn't that defeat the purpose of it. possibly warping it and taking longer for it to open ??

 

He means a very small hole. This will allow the air to get out of the neck.

I advise totally against this approach.

When you buy a T-stat I like to make sure that it already has a bleeder. On the side of the T-stat opening some manufactures are putting a small hole that has a small rubber gasket to allow the air out but it stops the coolant from flowing through. This is a much better approach to this.
In this picture you can almost see it on the back right side.











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not at all... been doing it for years. it just gives air a path out as you fill up the block. also, when I mean small... use one of the smaller bits that you have and you'll be good to go.