OK I have been reading some stuff on the archives and keep running into people swearing that the alternator and all kind of crap needs to fly out before you can get to the thermostat and it pisses me off.
I don't know where you guys get your info or how talented you are but the first time I got under the hood of my ram I replaced the thermostat with out removing "a thing" but only disconnecting the upper rad hose. It did had a stupid tab on the edge but I managed just fine... I 'm writing this to stop some misinformation given away by some forum members that "IT'S A MUST TO REMOVE 4 POUNDS OF CRAP " to replace the thermostat on a 5'9l Dodge.

Believe me you don't have to remove anything if you stare at it long enough the only trick I can feel you guys in is to dry everything really nice down there and on the way back- put sealant on the housing - then stick the gasket to it, add another thin layer of sealer to the other end of the gasket and bolt the piece back !

 

when I did mine I didnt have to remove all that junk either, I did have to move my AC lines a little, but those arent factory anymore so that was my fault. I could see where it could be a LOT easier to remove all that stuff when it comes to cleaning the old gasket off, but its not worth the pain in removing everything else

 

hey you dont have to take out 4lbs of $hit u have to take out 100lbs of$hit lol.

 

i just cut the tab off the housing once i removed it, its only there for the part number, it much easier to re and re without the tab.

 

+1 on getting rid of the tab. I replaced my t-stat a couple years ago and just jumped in and assumed it was just the coolant line and 2 bolts. I got it loose and had to fight like hell to get it out of there. Well, after finally twisting and turning it the right way, I wiggled it out of its crevice.

I looked it over to find out what bound it up and low and behold there was that notorious edge on it that served absolutely no positive purpose.

Well, over to the bench grinder I went and ground it smooth so it looked like a normal t-stat housing.

After that, it dropped right in and gave no fuss!

 

I just cut it off with a dremel. It definitely made taking it off again a few days later a lot easier!

 

The tab isn't there for a part number. It is there so that you install it correctly. The housing is angled and if you put it in wrong your heater hose will not slide on. After the first time, I realized I only had to pull the alternator to get the thermostat out. I don't see why you wouldn't want to have some room. I would be concerned about junk falling into the hole while trying to remove the old gasket. I don't see how you could scrape it unless you had access.

 

I had no trouble at all removing it with only taking off the air hat and moving the support bracket the A/C lines attach to to the side. This was with the tab cut off-- it pretty much just lifts right out. I then stuffed a wet paper towel in the hole. None of the gasket material made it past that.