I'm replacing the thermostat in a 98 GC
my concern ( first time doing this ) is the gap in the housing unit when I put it on the new thermostat. I don't know if it's supposed to look like this or I was given wrong part or I'm just messing it all up. Could someone take a look and tell me if this gap is normal please?


The gap

 

Don't you have the old one to compare?
Which engine is this for?

Rockauto shows this for the 3.8L



Examine the housing, does it have a slotted area to accept that large gasket?
I kind of remember the big gasket when I changed mine years ago. I think it presses into the housing. Might want to put a little silicone grease or something similar on it to help it slide in. As you can see in this picture, the gasket is tapered, to apparently enter the housing

 

It's a 3.3 and yes I had the old one but the gasket was long gone. I had to remove the overworked remains off the housing etc.. anyway, thank you for the reply. I called the auto store and double checked the part. When I got the go it was correct I just screwed it down and watched close for leaks. I'm proud to say, this girls first thermostat change out went pretty damn good. now, for the instrument panel that was dead until I soldered it now it's just shorting or something. Or I did a horrid solder job. That's totally possible, I've never been good at soldering. Thanks again for your feedback, much appreciated.