All,
After 15 years my water pump had crapped out. I figured while I was in there I'd replace the serpentine belt, engine coolant feed lines, water pump, and thermostat. I was wondering if the should just go with factory replacements, or if anyone had some suggestions for some good aftermarket pumps or thermostats/thermo housings for increased flows/performance? Thanks for the help!

 

honestly i would go with factory. But look around at the different part stores and see what they have. It really comes down to what your willing to spend.

 

Is the radiator 15 years old? It's really easy to change the rad out when the water pump, t-stat and mechanical ran r removed.

 

Given that it has 15 years of use on it,the fact that you're going to have to do quite a bit of disassembly anyway, and the fact that we have summer time temp coming, I'd replace the radiator too, and maybe the fan clutch.

Assuming you have a '97 model with 4.0, A/C, and auto, this is what you're looking at from www.rockauto.com

Radiator - Single Core - Vista Pro - $79.97
Water Pump - Bosch - $25.79
Water Pump Inlet Tube - Dorman - $7.90
Fan Clutch - Four Seasons - $40.79
T-Stat - 195 - Stant - $4.27
T-Stat Housing - Dorman - $6.50
Radiator Hose - Lower - Gates - $10.86
Radiator Hose - Upper - Goodyear - $12.21

Total = $188.29 + shipping

Add ~ $20 for new coolant and you're still getting a nearly completely new cooling system (less heater core) for less than $250. Hard to beat that, and it's great investment in the longevity of your motor and trans (if you have an auto).

I put a new ATK motor in my '98 a few months ago, and when I did I got all new cooling stuff from Rock Auto. Here in Texas, we've been hitting the mid 90's for awhile, and even with using the A/C in slow traffic, I never get over 210. Everything I bought from them has performed flawlessly so far.