I prety sure that the thermostat on my Durango is stuck closed. The problem is that I don't see where it is located. Also a mechanic I know said that if it is plastic, get a new one because the old one will leak. HELP an old man, please!!

It's on engine side of lower hose. Bolts tend to break,go easy with them. I had to drill out my lower bolt and used long bolt and nut.

I just did this job, my housing would leak in cold weather, got the housing and new stat from rockauto. I cut the head of the bolts off since they were rusty, this way I had plenty of stud to hold, then heated the and used penetrating oil they came right out.
You should be fine in NV might not need the housing but for the price I would just replace anyway.