What type of thermostat is best?..

Sorry for the delay, the OP just got back from sea. (Am pretty busy)

With the fan shroud & the 22 inch radiator, the temp climbed into the 'H' zone on the dash either in idle eventually or if I kept my foot buried on the gas pedal.

I swapped to the clutch fan & 26 inch radiator but initially I forgot to shroud the radiator. -more of the same.

So I was driving the car, now with shroud, 26" radiator, & clutch fan and the bearing failed on the water pump-the fan wobbling all the way to the stop, no coolant pumping. Replaced the pump, filled up with coolant & limped it home. There was a significant leak.
Now that I am back from deployment I wanna drive my Mopar and I have some time to work on the car. I figured to replace the thermostat while I am into it just to cover all the bases.

I think the lower hose became crap and will now check for more leaks.

Thank you everyone for your advice!!!!