I am replacing the upper radiator hose on my 2003 Durango (4.7). I bought the replacement hose but....do I need to cut the hose and insert the "t"

connection that has the cap in it? One more question. I have 78000 miles on it. I am flushing and replacing the coolant. Would you replace the t-stat

while I'm at it as a preventive maintenance? Thank you

 

With 78,000 miles i personally would change the t-stat... as for as cutting the hose i cant help ya there as i have a 5.2l and the 4.7 is a gremlin of its own...

 

Ty Old School. I just picked the D up used and I'm trying to go over some of the maintenance things. Just replaced the plugs this morning. Could you

recommend a good t-stat. I see that the otc ones get some bad press? Thank you

 

For the upper hose, take the whole assembly of the cap neck, and hoses on both sides off as 1 piece. Trying to get the hoses off the filler neck is nearly impossible for me, so i just replaced that as well (not a hard choice sinse i could see it was leaking slightly from the filler neck). Assemble the hoses outside the vehicle and then install everything as just 1 unit and it will make life much easier. I picked up the replacement filler neck at autozone for about $40, and replaced the cap there too for like $4.

 

most people (myself included) use the Stant t-stats

 

Thank you

 

on the 4.7 your best bet for t-stats is the OEM one as it has a weep hole in it which is a necessary feature for that engine, also stick with the factory temperature on the stat (195F)

 

the dealer has the upper hose with new T and new cap for $36 i just bought one autozone was $40 and it didn't come with a cap i also did the t-stat i used a napa it was 8 dollars and i went with a 180 degree its 110 in the summer here and yes i do have a 4.7 it runs cooler and my gas mileage went up so it worked for me

 

Great feedback. Thank you