I'm doing "Preventive-Maintenance and want to replace my thermostat and do a radiator flush. Maybe I'm answering my own question, but what do you recommended OEM or aftermarket napa or equivalent? OEM's are pricey at $112.00, and retails for about $145.00. I grew up in a new car dealership & sometimes those aftermarket serpentine belts and thermostats ended up being poor quality.

Going to alaska this summer if everything works out. Best on line Mopar sites suggestions are also welcome. Thanks!

 

IMO, you have answered your own question.

If the original Therm is okay, then why change it ? How many miles? How old ?

I've changed my Thermostat for a new Cummins in my 1st gen, and there was nothing wrong with it. The new Cummins worked the same as the one in the housing block. I saved the old one, for haha's.

I'm not a fan of aftermarket Thermostats. Buy one and compare. They're usually much lest robust.

You could put it on your stove and test it for function in a pot of hot water. Lots of fellas check them this way. IF it opens up, I guess a handheld thermometer (contact or contactless) would help you dial it in, but if it's opening up, and your temps were normal before, I'd say keep it on the shelf with the Elf. I have lots of parts with my Elf. Keeps him happy.

 

Just replaced mine with an aftermarket for 45$ on my 2005. Ez to change and is working fine.............


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Thanks for the response's, Going with new oem & keep the one I take out as a spare. I have 139,000 on the truck, but again, I do preventive maintenance & replace parts that I figure are nearing the end of there life before they break down. I sometimes travel across the dakotas late at night & sometimes most of the night, so anything I can do to keep it from breaking down I do it.