So my truck's not getting up to temp and really drops down when I start driving fast (if you can call what a 2.3 does fast). I drop by the old auto parts store because I just replaced one in another car and it was a whopping $3 part figured no big deal lets do this. Guy at the counter tells me is $130!? WHAT!? Whole trucks barely worth that! Anyway, I did find cheaper options online but there seems to be 2 versions, one with a plug and one without? I assume the plug is a temp sensor? I looked at mine and it has a plug, but nothing is plugged into it?

So I'm gonna say maybe mine has the temp sensor elsewhere(I am getting a temp reading), and some years ago the previous owner put in a thermostat with sensor because it fits the same and is what they had?
So, will this one work for me? https://www.sixityauto.com/gates-coo...036018472.html
PS: Anyone herd of that site before? Looks legit enough and is $15 cheaper then 1AAuto.

 

Ranger used two different 2.3l engines
2.3l SOHC Lima engine, 1983 thru 1997
2.3l DOHC Duratec engine, 2001 thru 2011

Assuming 2.3l Duratec, and 2001 thru 2003, these used a Heated Thermostat housing so cost quite a bit more and have the 2 wires to power the heater inside

2004 thru 2011 2.3l used regular thermostat with housing, no heater, so are quite a bit cheaper
You can use the cheaper one, bolts right up, but CEL(check engine light) will come on and stay on because heater is no longer connected

Some have used a large Resistor to mimic the heater being connected

This article mentions it but their years are wrong, lol: Duratec cooling mods -- Need to clear CEL - Ford Ranger Forum

Heated thermostats were only use on Ranger 2.3ls and only 2001 thru 2003

 

I'll just get the regular one since I can safely assume someone put a resistor in there already. Thanks.