04 Z71 Tahoe - Thermostat Vs. Thermostat Housing

[klunkerbus]

I'm slowly rounding up the stuff needed for maintenance on my 2004 Z71 Tahoe with a 5.3L engine. I'm confused on what is required for the thermostat. Haynes and the GM OEM on-line vendors indicate the thermostat is an integral part of the "thermostat housing", but non-OEM aftermarket vendors seem to all show a compatible discrete thermostat that fits. Without taking my Tahoe apart, can anyone tell me what I should expect to replace?

[bossier62guy]

I'm slowly rounding up the stuff needed for maintenance on my 2004 Z71 Tahoe with a 5.3L engine. I'm confused on what is required for the thermostat. Haynes and the GM OEM on-line vendors indicate the thermostat is an integral part of the "thermostat housing", but non-OEM aftermarket vendors seem to all show a compatible discrete thermostat that fits. Without taking my Tahoe apart, can anyone tell me what I should expect to replace?

 

It it's like the one on my 02 Silverado it's all one piece.....

[obe-kenobe]

I believe the design was changed in 04. I replaced the waterpump on my 04 Yukon w/ 5.3L. The thermostat and housing are separate even thought Haynes show its one piece. There is a rubber gasket/seal on the thermostat. The thermostat can be popped

out if replacement is needed.