[Lynn Eades]

Yes Bryan you should run thermostats. They sit on the head outlets inside the top hoses. They bring your engine up to proper operating temp. giving best perfomance and long engine life. I understand that with out them your motor can overheat because the water can circulat too fast although I have never experienced this in 35 years as a mech.(most people dont leave them out)
The Ford ones are a bit odd in their construction with a sort of gate arrangement(someone will post a pic.) I have seen standard waxtat themostats ground down at the O.D. to fit in the hose of the Ford. Put them in the right way.(wax pellet to motor)