Braggs

The lower hose is usually open to the radiator and the upper connects to the thermostat housing. Lower should be warm (or hot if at full temp). If you can touch and hold the hose at full temperature, then it's not overheating. If you can touch it for a couple seconds, it's pretty normal. Too hot to touch and it's running hot. Not a very accurate measurement method, but it works.

quirkdiggler

I'd replace the thermostat honestly its quick and easy (usually) and cheap then see what ya have going on.. I jumped on here late so maybe I missed a message if you already did, but that a lot easier than other if the gauge is no good.

84Red

Going to take out the thermostat later today. Then if that fixed the problem get another thermostat and then fix the coolant leak (cap is bad I think.) After that then I can start on the supposed vaccum leak and adjust the accelerator pump. Then new front shocks, probably rear shocks, then i can start doing the fun stuff!

84Red

Found a thermostat in the parts box i got with the red 84. Tried googling the part number but no info. It is motorcraft RT-1086. Anybody know if it would work at least for a littl bit while im in a pinch?

GhostriderI

When I look I find this E bay listing
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-2000-Fo...NXORIc&vxp=mtr

Cross this new number on Rock Auto and get

http://www.rockauto.com/en/partsearc...rmostat%2C2200

Hope this helps

84Red

Well, there is exhaust gasses in the coolant making it pressurized. Getting heads checked along with new gaskets, new edelbrock carb, and smog crap deleted. Will post pics and all soon of what the engine bay looks like with a new carb and less crap in there.

Braggs

Yikes. Good thing you're Mr. Moneybags that can pay cash for a $4k truck, and a mechanic to do all that work.

84Red

The mechanic that looked my truck over was not the most reputable. Took it to another mechanic with a infrared thermometer and it is/was running warm but not hot. Wrong sending unit, small leak in radiator, clutch fan, and water pump are getting replaced and it will be good to go.