Scott, 

Thanks for the reply.  The "water distributor" was replaced a few years ago - so I am all set on that.  On the Thermostat housing, I have a rusty Syncro engine that I was going to take the metal T-Stat housing off of.   But, as I learned (thanks Ken) I would need new sensors.  I just replaced the sensors on the plastic housing last year - ughh.  The other problem is getting it off this rusty motor - looks like breaking the bolts is likely.   I did spray them good with PB Blaster today.  Maybe with heat I can get them to go.   

As much I would hate to buy new sensors, at least I would have a metal housing.  I believe the top is still plastic though - would it be a good idea to change that at the same time?  

PS - I have a metal 90 deg pipe under the alternator, but I can see the nearby fitting with the small hose on the Syncro motor.  I'll check out this piece on my van.  

Thanks everyone for your input!  
John 

--SNIP--- you might appreciate knowing that the plastic parts fail too, not just 
hoses. Top on that list is the thermostat housing.... 
In addition to that plastic part ........rSNIP .. there is black 
plastic 'water distributor' with about 5 hose connections on it. 
those defenitely get brittle and crumble, SNIP 
the ends of the plastic main coolant pipes get out of position, and often 
leak, before any hoses fail ......in my experience. 
so check those  , both ends of both main coolant pipes.  SNIP 
a few early 2.1 engines have a plastic nipple with a small hose on it, right   
below the alternator - on the right head. SNIP  
Rear heater cores love to slowly leak - most by now have been either 
disconnected or replaced.  Scott