Was working on the Jeep and noticed signs of a leak. Looks like the connection point between the rubber hose coming from the very bottom of the radiator to the engine (largest hose). Actually iy looks like the peice the hose connects to that bolts onto the engine. Maybe a leaking seal? Not completely sure yet, but its a very small leak.

That being said, I guess I need to buy a new part and seal and put it on. Of courswe this means I will be opening up the engine on the very bottom and will need to drain the coolant so I can replace the hose and connection.. Not something I'm really familiar with.

Any helpful words of wisdom and techniques for this? I was figuring on jacking it up and putting a 5 gallon bucket under the connection, but that will stoll be a mess with water coming from the radiator and engine. Then I need to worry about refilling and ensuring there is little air running through when I fill it back up.

Do-able or should i just send my paycheck and Jeep to a mechanic?

What you are talking about is the t-stat housing.Make sure you get the correct gasket and t-stat as the 3.7 uses a special one and generally not cheap.Also get a new lower radiator hose and clamps,might as well as your that far into it.The correct coolant is HOAT(Zerex GO5 at Napa,Chrysler dealer,or Ford dealer).

ah, nice.
I was planning on getting a Chilton's Guide so that should help.
I'll buy a new thermostat and hopefully it just needs a new seal so I can return the part.
Those things have an estimated mileage life? I know the one on my wifes Saturn Vue has stuck open and I can't change it myself, they buyild those darn things with so much extra crap that require specialized tools....

also, i'll likely just replace the coolant. What do you do with the spent stuff? I know a lot of people put it down the drain and that's not really my style

Rule of thumb is to change t-stat and hoses when you change the coolant(every 5 years).The t-stat and gasket is a set,if you use just the gasket you can not return the t-stat alone without the new gasket also.

Did the fix on Saturday. Was easy, but took awhile anyways. Replaced both top and bottom hoses with new clamps and new t-stat. old t-stat housing looked good so re-used it and I'll return the old ffor my $20 back.

Jeep dealershit wanted $36 bucks for the stat, I told them I'd give then $24 and they said deal. Same with hsg, they wante $25 and I gave them $20. Overall including new hoses and 1 gal unmixed coolant was about $100. Had to buy the top hose from O'Reileys Auto Parts since Jeep was out.

Didn't see any physical damage to the t-stat seal so thought that was weird. Also, whoever (dealership?) installed the previous t-stat put a bunch of black silicone sealant of some sorf inside to help seal it.