Yep, be ready for a visit from Murphy.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...rphys-law.html

 

the only bad part about the t-stat is the fact that the manufacturer put that retarded squeeze style hose clamp on it and put the part you squeeze around the side so you have to take either the alternator or the ac compressor off to get your pliers on it. but the only thing you take off to change it is the top radiator hose and the 2 bolts on the angled pipe that the top hose was on. you just have to be careful not to scrape any of the old silicone into the hole when you're getting it ready for the new one.
i had to take my alternator off to get to the clamp and when i put the new one on i moved that clamp around to the side so i could get to it the next time.

and i think the tab he's talking about is on that clamp. when you squeeze it together it has a little tab that keeps you from opening it all the way.

 

^ That's why you leave the hose on the housing and pull everything out. I try to remove as many of those damn squeeze clamps as possible and install the old fashinoed screw down clamp.

 

the tab he's referring to is the "FRONT" tab on the T stat housing. That catches on everything as you try to reinstall. Just grind it down flush.

 

I just did mine a few weeks ago. Once you get the fan off it should be easy. You will use almost exclusively 1/2 and 9/16 wrenches and sockets. A 10mm and 7mm are needed for the alternator and I used a 13mm wrench for something. Maybe the dipstick tube? Replace the bypass hose. This will be the last time you want to see it for a while. Follow the torque procedures. Follow the torque procedures.

 

Where do I get the torque procedures and torque specs.

 

a manual...haynes or chiltons manual is the norm usually. it'll tell you everything you need to do step by step.

 

Or download the FSM from the Merry Christmas thread in the FAQ section that's been posted a million times. LOL

 

I got all my parts today. I will be starting to put all the parts on in 2-3 weeks when hutch is done with his testing and I Decide what I am going to do with my e-fan

 

My 01 5.2 i did the thermostat change (to a 180 degree) in about 30 mins start to finish. including grinding off the tab. Follow the DYI thread for the replacement, it lays out all the steps. As Far as the underdrive pulleys, unless you do all of them, its not worth the gains. The March Kit is only 2 pulleys, there are some other ones available. I was only able to do all the pulleys because i machined then from seperate pulleys I aquired to do it. I was alot of time on the mill and headaches(about 200 hrs total). And only gains about 10 net HP and 20 lbs.ft of torque at the wheels on the dyno.