2000 Explorer, with Triton 4.6 V8 engine.

All seems fine, temperature is in normal range but there is no heat. The upper heater hose never gets even warm. I think it's the failed T-stat.

Where is it located, at the engine end of the upper radiator hose?
Any special advice on how to replace it?

Better to get OEM T-stat than aftermarket?

 

If the temp is normal, I doubt if it's the Tstat. I could be air in a line or a heater control valve or core issue. I'm sure someone with more knowledge of the 2000 V8 will jump in.