Replacing whole Thermostat Housing

[DennisY]

Is it possible to remove Thermostat Assy without taking out upper intake manifold?(1st timer doing this). On a 98 Ford Explorer Limited V-6 4.0L SOHC.

 

[locknload1]

Yes, just did mine and all that was required was removing the air intake hose, moving the throttle body out of the way and getting all the attached hoses out of the way. Took about 3 hours.

 

[swshawaii]

How To Replace the Upper and Lower Thermostat Housing on a Ford 4.0L V6 SOHC Engine
http://bengrosser.com/howto/fordthermostat/

Upgrade
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239493

 

[LCpearlExplorer]

I have been reading threads here dealing with cooling issues and I get the impression the thermostat housing is a weak point and is replaced often. Being plastic ain't a better idea it seems. Mine has been done recently by the PO.