have a 03 bought new(sig) 86,000 miles on her and no problems. Changed the coolant few years back, just thinking about the hose's and themostat. Any thoughts?

 

My 06 has 84k miles and I plan on doing them at 100k just for PM. They still feel and look like new.

 

I find that most of the time the aftermarket hoses available seem to feel like less of a product than the oem hoses with over 100k on them. My 01 are all original.

 

My 98.5 has the originals, they look great and even look clean inside(no sludge or build up)

 

Changed out the Thermostat at the 1st of the year, Hoses still look and feel good... Good 2 Go

 

It's one of those things that is a personal choice, kinda like what makes you feel comfortable, as evidenced by the varying responses. For me, when my 06 hit 100k, I had the hoses, tstat and serpentine belt replaced, and put the originals in my tool box for spares. What motivates me is this way, I change them at a time and place that is convenient for me, rather than being broken down on the side of the road somewhere!

 

This is mine too!! I changed my belt at 80k because I was about to go on a trip and even though it still looked fine, I didn't want to be on the side of the road doing it

 

I agree. These days, I consider hoses to be a lifetime part, and to me as well, aftermarket hoses don't seem to have equivalent quality or fit, nor do hose clamps. My 96 is all original.

As far as thermostats, I would consider changing mine anytime I had the system open. They are something that does get weak over time. They are a part I like to replace with OEM on these trucks, as I have seen several aftermarket ones cause problems.

 

I like to change my radiator hoses after they have failed left me stranded on side of road freezing with no heat

 

Has this happened more than once??

 

I have 553000 miles on mine and I have changed the thermostat last year and still have the original hoses.

I carry two new hoses just in case and check them every week when I am home.