OK, so I have 130K miles on my Explorer and am wondering when/if I should change the thermostat. I've had the car since 1999, and the thermostat has not been changed since I've owned it. I have never had a problem with overheating, etc. but am thinking maybe I should change it as a preventative measure.
So...how to change thermostat on 96 Ford Explorer 5.0 V8. Any direction will be greatly appreciated?

Thanks

 

Not a big deal at all. Suggest that you park Explorer on an incline with radiator uphill to reduce the amount of coolant loss during the job. I believe that there are three torex screws that have to be removed. Place new gasket on thermostat and reinstall. Run truck with heater on until the thermostat opens (i.e. your heater starts working), then carefully fill radiator to prevent any air pockets. Clean up any spilled coolant to prevent injury to your pets.

 

I can't say if replacing it is the right thing to do, but it's quite easy. I have a 99 Sport and had to change the thermostat a few weeks ago. We had a few cool mornings here in North Georgia and I found the problem when the temp gauge stayed on the "C" side. It took about 15 minutes to change, the above post is correct, there are three screws holding it in place. The thermostat didn't come with the O ring type gasket, make sure you ask for it. Just be sure and replace both of them.

 

I'd just leave it alone for now. Agood time to change it is when you do a cooling system flush. You have to take it out for that, anyway.
On the 5.0. the housing has 2 bolts holding it on, not Torx screws.