This can be a bit messy, are you sure your thermostat needs changed? -The thermostat is located at the engine end of the large 2" hose going from the top of the radiator to the engine. You'll see this hose go to an elbow pipe with 2 bolts.
-Set a drain pan directly underneath this area on the ground to catch the spill, and remove these 2 bolts.
-It will stick hard so carefully wiggle the elbow pipe loose and lift off. Raise the hose so you don't lose too much coolant.
-Make sure you bought a new gasket with your thermostat as this one will be trashed. Carefully wiggle out the thermostat. Make sure you don't drop a bunch of dirt and oil gunk into this hole so I recommend cleaning around it before removing the thermostat.
-Clean off the old gasket with a knife of some kind, don't gouge the metal, just get it off as best you can - this is aluminum so it will gouge easily with steel tools.
-Next install the new thermostat, the new gasket, put the elbow back in place and tighten down the 2 bolts. Top off your coolant after a week or so once the air bubble bleeds off that you created. Dispose of your spilled coolant at your local auto parts store - they usually recycle this type of hazardous waste.
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