temp gauge is showing at 1/4, between cold and warm, even on long drives. I'm going to test and/or replace the temp sensor. However, I've noticed both hoses are extremely hot. Is that how its supposed to be?

 

Lower hose should be cooler than the upper hose. Is there a thermostat in the truck?

 

those gauges aren't the most accurate. of my 2 Dakotas one never goes past about 1/3 gauge when fully warmed up, other one goes straight up at 1/2..... same T stat brand and temp in both, both have had the radiators replaced in my ownership with water pumps and ALL hoses and both have had their heater cores swapped out within 2 weeks of each other.....
I want to add a set of Sunpro style gauges to my trucks while keeping the stock gauges operable.

 

Did someone put in a 180 deg thermostat in the truck? It's a fairly common mod and if you have that you'll see the temp gauge lower than normal - about 1/4.