187k miles waterpump and thermostat change required?

[bdac]

Hi All,

I have 187k+ on the ticker and have the original water pump, thermostat, radiator, etc (cooling system). Actually, the entire rig is original (with exception of the drive belts, spark plugs/wires, brakes, diff and tranny fluid). Everything is stock.

Should the water pump or thermostat require any replacement as preventative maintenance? I'm aware that the wheel bearings need replacement/repack.

Truck is running in perfect condition with exception of a squeaky drive belt (about 80k on the most recent drive belts).

Thanks.

[latinoguy]

My research shows that replacing the water pump is worth doing it for feeling extra safe, but that it is not a PM requirment as the 80 series water pumps go forever. Do change the Thermostat however. At the minimum flush the radiatior, instead of replacing it. Use the money savings for other PMs. (have you done your axle repacks?) I would consider doing the blue fan clutch mod at this point as well. Replacing the fan clutch is a PM suggestion. I will be tackling the fan clutch replacement very soon.

A squeaky drive belt means that you might as well replace the drive belts again (OEM.) I ended up with a squeaky AC belt after having the belts replaced (with OEM) and the suggestion is to replace them all again and double check for adecuate tightness...