Can someone direct me on this. I bought one a while back for a 2002 Dakota, but it didn't come witht the gasket. I ordered that and then it was too big for the thermostat. Can I use the old one? Or should I order another one and be sure that it comes with a new gasket? Thanks for your help.

 

I would get a new gasket. I would suggest a high-flow thermostat; they keep the engine temperatures very stable in my experience. Here's an example of one: http://store.summitracing.com/partde...art=HYP%2D1018

I am curious as to why you're installing a colder thermostat. Is there a specific reason?

 

If you cannot find the right gasket, you can go to almost any auto parts outlet and purchase a sheet of gasket material. Make a template using a piece of paper to get close to the size you'll need and just keep cutting and fitting until you get the fit just right. A little high-temp gasket goo and you're in!
Hope this helps. At least its nice to have a back-up plan, right?

 

I just used high heat silicone for a gasket when I put my 180 stat in.

 

i got mine at autozone for 5 bucks with a gasket

 

So a 180 is the cooler t-stat that everyone swaps out .....is a stock 190-95? What is the difficulty level in changing one or is there a thread made already of this? Thinking about doing this as well...just a little learly of sacraficing heat in the winter....we have cold ones up here in upwards some nights of -50 with the windchill.....but for the most part is is usually around -30...anythink I should leave stock? My truck is a real dog when it warms up but has alot more snap when its cold.....

 

I absolutely think you should leave it stock. Colder running temperatures promote increased deposit formation, increased engine wear, potentially decreased fuel economy, and decreased oil life. There's a reason why most cars run with 195*F thermostats. If you run a 180*F thermostat, your oil may never get to the temperature to boil off water in the oil. Some aftermarket chips require lower thermostats to guard against spark knock. Fine. But if you've got an otherwise stock truck, I see no advantage to swapping out a thermostat for one that is 15*F colder. If your truck's performance changes that dramatically between warm and cold, I think something else is at play.

 

I agree you should not change from the stock temperature range. I had an S-10 that had plugged EGR passages, and the increased combustion temperatures caused detonation. My solution was to use a colder thermostat and this did solve the pre-ignition problem, but it didn't seem to run right after that. Maybe it has something to do with the computer not thinking the engine is up to proper temperature.

 

by changing mine, it completely stopped pinging and seems to run smoother...i have read and heard from various people and websites that in these trucks it helps

 

i have also heard that it can help them too but is it just the 3.9's and 5.2's it helps or does it hlep the 4.7's too. Plan on flushing my radiator and was possibly thi nking about this but not sure.