any tricks to removing the thermostat housing on a 4.0 with out removing the intake ??

 

I just took the throttle body off and mine came out. It was a tight fit.

 

Posted the link with a How-to, in this thread: https://www.ranger-forums.com/genera...k-help-145124/

#4 post

 

Thanks for the posts on V6~4.0L~SOHC engines & TStat housings; good reference info.
Replaced the old leaking FRPlastic TStat Housing with a new Aluminum TStat Housing
in 2019Aug on a 2001 Ford ExSportTrac; no leaks as of 2020Mar after ~5K more miles.
My full write up with pics on that repair:
http://2001fordexplorersporttrac.fandom.com/Coolant_ThermoStat_Housing