Ok lets start with I'm mechanically challenged having said that what I'm asking for is detailed instructions for replacing the thermostat on an 04 Ranger with a 4.0L SOHC V6. I need instructions like step 1 open the hood, step 2 prop the hood open, step 3 remove the air cleaner stuff etc. Most of the stuff I've seen assumes you already know the basics and I don't. I've done this before on my jeep and it was pretty easy so I think I can handle it with good instructions. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

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Black 2004 Extended Cab FX trim 4x4 Ranger
"Wheresoever the light is brightest, there also the shadows are darkest."

If you're just doing the thermostat it's easy but if you're doing the thermostat and the housing then it's a little harder but still not bad. Given that you said you are mechanically challenged I feel I should ask if you are really only doing the thermostat or if you are doing the housing as well?

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2003 v6 4.0 4x4 xlt extended cab
manual transmission 135000 miles
29x12x16 tires bilstein 5100 shocks

desertrunner33, I'm just doing the thermostat. As far as I know.

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Black 2004 Extended Cab FX trim 4x4 Ranger
"Wheresoever the light is brightest, there also the shadows are darkest."

Ok then it's actually really easy. I would drain your radiator fluid about halfway down first. If you have the little cover on top of the intake manifold take that off. Then all you have to do is pull intake hose off of the throttle body. Take the two bolts off of the throttle cable bracket then take off the 4 bolts that hold the throttle body on and unplug the tps sensor on the right side and just set the throttle body out of the way with the throttle cable still attached. Now you can get to the housing. Undo the 3 bolts that hold the water outlet down and take that off then the thermostat is right there. Take it out put the new one in put the new gasket in and just put the bolts back in. Should take like an hour for a first timer. I don't think I'm missing anything.

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2003 v6 4.0 4x4 xlt extended cab
manual transmission 135000 miles
29x12x16 tires bilstein 5100 shocks

I would replace the housing while your in there. They crack easy and your will be back in there again. On my 3rd one with the truck there garbage plastic.

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its a Ranger

X2
Pretty much sums it up. I just went through this a couple months ago when I replaced my thermostat housing. While you're in there, make sure there aren't any leaks around the temp sensors and that the housing itself is in good shape.

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^like he said. Lol

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Yeah my housing cracked as well so I would agree you should just replace it all. But once you add in replacing the housing things get a little more complicated. But really just more frustrating than complicated lol

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2003 v6 4.0 4x4 xlt extended cab
manual transmission 135000 miles
29x12x16 tires bilstein 5100 shocks

My biggest problem gettin my fat ass fingers down in there to work on it. EVERYTHING was in the way. Lol.

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Yeah I gave my younger brother 20 bucks to take the back bolt off of the housing and put it back on cause I was sick of it

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2003 v6 4.0 4x4 xlt extended cab
manual transmission 135000 miles
29x12x16 tires bilstein 5100 shocks

Totally worth it Haha. I had to walk away a few times. Breaking one of the bolts off in the intake didn't really help matters any. But it got done... And then done again.

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Yeah I went easy on those bolts for fear of that exact thing happening

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2003 v6 4.0 4x4 xlt extended cab
manual transmission 135000 miles
29x12x16 tires bilstein 5100 shocks

You really owe it to yourself to get a copy of the factory service manual (FSM), either on DVD or a hard copy. Do not waste your money on a Chiltons or Haynes. Also, there's noting wrong with taking reference pics before starting a job or along the way.

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2004 Ranger FX4 Level II, 5R55E, Sonic Blue Pearl

Proudly JAP/RICE free since March 2000

I always hear people say these things are crap. I don't have a factory service manual but I do have a Chiltons one and I find it useful sometimes. Why does everyone hate them?

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2003 v6 4.0 4x4 xlt extended cab
manual transmission 135000 miles
29x12x16 tires bilstein 5100 shocks

Because they often and without warning lack needed specifics and details that the FSM doesn't, and this lack of details often leaves aspiring, learning people or those whose wrenching skills are not overly strong and absolutely must have every single little step spelled out in black and white in a state of confusion, frustration and being stuck. This is especially true for the Haynes.

When was the last time you saw a competent tech at a for-profit repair facility using a Haynes?

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2004 Ranger FX4 Level II, 5R55E, Sonic Blue Pearl

Proudly JAP/RICE free since March 2000

Thank you for all the reply's I may get into this next week on payday.

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Black 2004 Extended Cab FX trim 4x4 Ranger
"Wheresoever the light is brightest, there also the shadows are darkest."