The thermostat is a valve that only opens when the water reaches a certain temperature. Regular thermostats are set to open at 195 degrees. The thermostat also regulates your heater. If you find your truck overheating in traffic and the heater is not working correctly it may be time to replace your thermostat.
Locate the upper radiator hose. Disconnect it from the thermostat housing.
Using your socket set remove the top portion of the radiator housing. You might have to pry it loose with a flathead screwdriver as the gasket has made a seal between the top and bottom portion of the housing.
Remove the old thermostat. The thermostat will be laying in the housing. The thermostat will lift right out.
Place the thermostat with the pointed end upward. It will sit in the housing.
Scrape off the old gasket material around the housing area. You can do this by scraping with a puddy knife or a razor blade.
Place the new gasket on the surface of the housing. The gasket does not need any silicone as it will seal as you tighten the housing.
Line up the top end of the housing to the bottom end. Torque the bolts down snug after you have lined up the housing.
Place the radiator hose in the inlet pipe of the housing. Tighten down the hose clamp.
Check your water level as you might have lost some coolant in the process. Crank up your truck and watch for leaks and overheating.
