I am going to change my thermostat to a 160* and I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to do this job. There is no drain **** so what is the best way to drain the coolant and not get it over everything? How much coolant drains out doing this job? Any tips on refilling the system?

Any advice appreciated.

 

When I changed my water pump I pulled those hoses off and quite a bit of fluid came out.
I first drained the radiator fluid with the valve on the driver's side bottom of the radiator, don't really know if that will decrease the loss from the big hose you have to pull off the thermostat.
Just pop off your fan and the fan shroud and get some type of pan or bucket under there. Its not like gallons and gallons keep coming out. Its more like a half gallon or so. Either way you will be losing fluid, but if you catch it in a clean container its ok to reuse it.
Be careful removing the hose from the t-stat, kind of squeeze and twist to break the seal and it should come off without damage.
When you re-fill the system just fill up the tank about 2/3rds of the way up and take it out and drive it. Get that fluid hot and pumping through the motor and then top off if nessasry.
Have fun.

 

ya the new body style's dont have a drain like ours i dont think... idk how you would drain it w/o mess... i think if you just detach that hose at the thermostat a lot will flow out... but it'll be everywhere. someone with an 03-05 will chime in hopefully for ya.

 

just put a drain pain under it and loosen the housing and let it drain out slowly. after its drained a little loosen it some more. do this till its about empty or the housing is unbolted completely

 

No drain on mine. unbolt the housing, let it drain, remove housing & R&R the t-stat, install housing, fill 'er up. Leave cap off, idle to warm while topping off. Squeeze the hose to burb it, fill again. reinstall cap. drive like crazy. let cool & double check coolant level.

By the way, how is that rusty STS you beat me out of???

 

Yep, one of the easiest installs on any vehicle.

 

Thanks guys. Got a new drain pan tonight ready for the install in the morning.

SCIV - The rusty STS is great. Dropped about 3+ secs off my stock time so far. Into the 13s on my G-Tech . Leaking a little oil by the seals but STS says they may be able to fix that if I can ever get them on the phone.