It's very easy. Here's the instructions per the FAQ on www.dakota-truck.net
For the 3.9L V6 and 5.2L & 5.9L V8s:
Remove the upper radiator hose
Take the serpentine belt off and take the alternator off (optional)
Loosen up the 2 bolts on the t-stat neck. (at this point, you'll notice coolant leak down your block, have a pan underneath to catch that coolant)
Take old stat out, clean gasket off the water neck
Put the new thermostat in and install the gasket on the water neck with a thin bead of hi-temp RTV on each side.
Put the 2 bolts back into the hole (get a magnetic tool picker-upper, because you'll more than likely not be able to fit your hands in there and will drop the bolt in a place you can't reach)
Replace alternator, belt and radiator hose back on
Refill your radiator. 1 container of antifreeze and 1 container of (distilled) water should be more than enough
As it says, taking off the belt is optional. I've swapped mine 3 or 4 times now, takes me about 10 min. You may want to drain the coolant before you replace it, otherwise, make sure you have something to catch the coolant. It's right smack dead center of your entine, on top. Right in front of the Air Hat. Probably the hardest part is getting the hose out from in there once you loosen the 2 bolts, you have to angle it to get it out, and maybe have to wrestle it around a little bit. Personally, I have never put on a new gasket, and have never had any problems, but that's up to you. I just drop the t-stat in there, put the hose back on, refill coolant, and I'm done. Have a pair of needle-nose pliers around in case one of the bolts falls to the side, pain to reach down there. Will also need a 6" extension on your socket wrench.
Now that I'm thinking about it, wondering how you're leaking there. Only way I can think of is the bolts aren't tight enough or gasket is blown....
Ken Allgood
97 CC SLT 5.2L
>
> From: Korey Atterberry <korey99@yahoo.com>
> Date: 2003/04/10 Thu PM 03:08:15 EDT
> To: dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net
> Subject: DML: Thermostat on 3.9L engine
>
>
> Hey guys-
>
> I have my truck in for service, and they just called and told me my
> thermostat is leaking. Of course, they want $150 in labor to replace
> the part. How hard is that thermostat to get to? I know the part is
> only like $6.
>
> Thanks,
> Korey
>
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