'02 Ford Ranger 2.3L Thermostat Install Help

[doitmyself]

My son's Ranger has sat in his barn for two months with a bad thermostat. I guess "he's" ready to replace it finally.

This is the electronic thermostat ($120)located on the lower radiator hose as featured here: http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Fall2009/electronic_thermostat.htm

I already posted a thread in August to elicit remarks on the lame design here, so no additional flaming is requested at this time!

Does anyone have the procedure to replace this?? I am concerned about it's difficult location.

Thanks a ton!

 

[Chris142]

Those ain't as bad as they look. I receintly did one in our parking lot in about 20 minutes w/o breaking a sweat.

 

[TallPaul]

Yep, a friend had to replace the thermostat on his 2008 Ranger and was puzzled until he found out it is intregal with the housing and goes in the side of the engine at the front of the driver's side. Costly for sure. Cheaper to assemble and I guess one benefit, no more cracked housings from misplaced thermostats when tightening it down.

 

[simple_gifts]

Quote:

Those ain't as bad as they look. I receintly did one in our parking lot in about 20 minutes w/o breaking a sweat.


True; I did mine (non electronic) this summer. I chose to remove the hoses after the removed the thermo housing from the block; I also replaced the clamp with standard hose clamps, not the factory "built for assembly" ones

I thought it looked like a pain, but appreciated the clean design about 1/2 thru the job. Retightened the bolts with a 1/4 ratchet "a bit over finger tight"

Perhaps my 75 inchness played a role.

 

[doitmyself]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
Those ain't as bad as they look. I recently did one in our parking lot in about 20 minutes w/o breaking a sweat.


Please elaborate! The dealer said it was one to two hours for labor!

- Can I reach it from below while the truck is on Rhino Ramps?

- Are there any large parts to remove for access?

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: doitmyself
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Those ain't as bad as they look. I recently did one in our parking lot in about 20 minutes w/o breaking a sweat.


Please elaborate! The dealer said it was one to two hours for labor!

- Can I reach it from below while the truck is on Rhino Ramps?

- Are there any large parts to remove for access?

I did the one at work in our lot from the top. I have a socket with a magnet in it and a swivel to fit my 1/4 inch ratchet and extension.

Honestly it wasn't that hard and I didn't pay much attention to it. I think it had 3 bolts and one was kinda behind a squeeze hose clamp. Getting that clamp off was the worst part.