Start with the engine stone cold. Start it up, and grab the upper radiator hose. Does it build pressure right away?

 

Yes, and I just pulled about half of the water out of the cooling system and replaced it with coolant, still rises slowly and especially in stop and go traffic. What else can I do? Electric fans? I'm very confused on why it still climbs up in temps when it even has a 160 in it. For the bogs I had to stop because it was over heating, I was told next time take the thermo out before I go through the bog and it won't heat up nearly as much, think that's true?

 

If it builds pressure right away, even when cold, you have a headgasket leak. That will also cause overheating.

 

 

Either low on coolant, an air pocket somewhere, clogs in the system, worn water pump, etc.

 

Well Its not low on coolant, I burped it like three or four times yesterday with the heat on. I've got an extra water pump, although some of the fins on my radiator are bent, could that be an issue as well? I'm tired of worrying about it all the time lol.

 

How old is your radiator, and how well taken care of was the truck?

 

Well, as you know lol, the old motor blew up going up a hill, its basically been a restoration process. Has not been cared for at all honestly until I got it.
Rad is probably as old as the truck and when I was doing the plenum I didn't notice but I was leaning up against it a lot and bent some fins. Whenever I'm going over 55 for a little bit it cools down, I'm guessing from more air flow. Should I get a fan and new radiator?

 

I would get the severe duty clutch fan and get an aluminum radiator for it (CF-1429? I think)