Water Outlet/T-Stat Housing

[WahooSteeler]

Had to replace the water outlet/tstat housing today. My question is, the stock unit that came off the truck has that beveled inlet as seen in the pic below, but the replacement that I put on today does not. I needed to get the truck driveable for now and everything seemed OK with a 30+ minute test drive including hwy and stop and go driving. I know there are replacements online that are the same as OE, but is there a major advantage to the OE design? 

[AZJeff]

That variation in inlet shape will not have any impact on cooling.  The flow rate isn’t high enough to be affected by the variance.

[cruiser54]

Chinese Replacement Auto Part aka CRAP.

 

They saved WunHungLo a step in the machine shop. 

[WahooSteeler]

Thanks. I couldn't see how it would make a difference, but you never know. Interesting that if you do a search of aftermarket parts for this, the OE style with the beveled outlet is only listed for HO years and newer, whereas this simpler design is listed for pre-91's. The OE style with the beveled outlet is much much easier to install/uninstall since the main outlet is off center, leaving a lot more room to work the lower bolt w/out having to loosen or remove your belt. 

[Jeep Driver]

The last item I bought from RA was a stat housing, Four Seasons. 

 

What I can tell you is the quality is not nearly OEM, for sure. 

 

 I went to drill it out for the temp switch..........cheap, thin, metal was not as dense, garbage.......chucked it. 

 

 

I really wish I could convince you guys to stop buying from RA........to no avail. 

 

 

 

 

For you 4.0 guys.........these can still be found used, OEM.