Auto Parts: Side mount coolant removal, coolant recovery, recovery tank

Question
My Saturn 97 coupe is over heating. I was told by some friends to replace my cracked plastic side mount coolant holder at the junk yard and check the thermostat to see if it still springs like it is supposed too. The problem is I am unsure of how to drain the tank and remove it without messing up any other parts. I cant afford to pay some one, so I am going to try to so it myself. I need to know how to remove it best and if jacking up the car to get to the hose with the thermostat underneath is the best option to use? Please I really need to do this and feel comfortable too. I am as girly as can be and need help. Thank you so very much any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Answer
    I have never worked on a Saturn, but do know a few things.  Your cooling system uses a pressurized coolant recovery tank.  If that tank is cracked and has a leak, then you don't really have a cooling system.  The fact that your tank has cracked makes the idea of buying a used one a little suspect (a new one will have to come from the dealer, see if he will give you a printout of the diagram in the parts book that shows the tank--it will help you  with visualizing how to proceed with the work) .  I would not replace the thermostat until after the tank is replaced; the tank is probably the only problem you have.  There is a single hose attached to the tank, you need to release the clamp (at either end).  These pinch-type clamps can be a little difficult if you don't have fairly strong hands; get a pair of pliers with long handles that will magnify the strength of your grip and enable you to hold the clamp open while you pull the hose from the fitting.  Use your cell phone or a digital camera to take pictures as you go along; that will make it easier to put things back together.  This may sound very basic, but bears saying: spend some time staring at the parts involved, work out the spatial relationship in your head.  Then, take off the parts that are in the way before you remove the tank.  I really don't know if it has to come out from underneath, but I'd guess not.  The cap is screwed onto the tank and that's under the hood, the tank should come out in an upwards direction.  Don't be afraid to remove and disconnect other parts to clear the way for the tank's removal, just make sure you take photos at each step so that you have a guide on how it goes back together.  After you're done, refill the tank with coolant, run the engine until it's warm, then let it cool down.  You'll have to repeat this step several times to replace the lost coolant in the system and get the air out.
    I can tell from your message that you aren't stupid.  You are smart enough to do this if you take your time and give it some thought.  Try to foresee which tools you'll need and have them ready before you start; you shouldn't need much.  You can do this, of that much I'm certain.