I would go with the part number that comes up on the dealership parts system.
It is very common for the same part to be used on several different engines, vehicles, etc but I would follow what comes up for your particular application.
Also, they have been known to change part numbers....sometimes the numbering system changes, or they come out with a improved/different part.
Also, my posts are for a '96....MANY parts will be the same....but not all.

I am sorry that I did not respond faster......my internet activity has been focused upon building a website for my church.....something that I had never done before, so I had to figure out how to do it as I was going.....
Suddenly ending up a webmaster when you have never done that before is a big step.
That I why I have not been in here for a few days.

I was looking at your pics of the thermostat and thermostat gasket. The part #'s when i look them up are listed for a ford 4.2 litre truck. Does this gasket and thermostat work for the windstar with and without rear heat. Hope that you can help me. Thank you in advance.