98 thermostat removal questions

[sobo]

Hi Guys,
Just picked up a 98 Eddie Bauer V6 SOHC. The temp gauge stays around the c and doesn't move much above it. I was reading around here and basically decided to change my thermostat. Do I have to remove the top and bottom housing or can I just remove the top housing and replace the thermostat and seal? Do I have to take off the top radiator hose for this? Also, is the drain plug hidden behind the fan shroud?
Thanks in advance.

Is there a chance it's not the thermostat too?

 

[Rick]

Here is a thread about replacing the thermostat on a 2000 SOHC:
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=304706

The Google search near the top of every page searches only this site and does a good job.


On the '93 there is a drain on the bottom of the radiator, it's not hidden by the shroud.

 

[sobo]

That's what I needed. Thanks