so ive been driving my 96 for a couple weeks now and have noticed that my coolant temp never goes past a 1/4 on the gauge. im guessing thats around 180-185. truck is completely stock, is this normal temps?

man i shoulda put this under general, my bad wasnt paying attention

 

That is about the normal range.

 

What degree thermostat is in it? I have a 180* and it runs around the same place as yours on the gauge. When it had a 195* the needle would be just barely past the 2.

 

see thats the thing, i havent swapped it but im thinking someone else did.

 

Or, it could be in the failed position which prevents the engine from reaching the proper operating temperature.