I have a 2004 dodge ram 4.7l with 67k.
My temp gauge keeps moving. I have had two rad hoses replaced, new heater core hoses, thermostat replaced and a new water pump. I did a drain and refill at 50k. Also, the dealer changed all the fluid when they did the water pump a couple weeks ago.
When the vehicle gets to operating temp, the gauge is where it needs to be.
When I drive 65 mph, the gauge goes to 1/2 mark and slowly comes down. While in stop and go traffic, the gauge goes to 1/2 mark and doesnt come down until a couple minutes passing of slow movement.

I have a 50/50 mix and listed all the work above. There is no air in the system I have checked numerous times. I am thinking my rad might need to be replaced. Also, the bottom of the rad is ice cold while the top is almost burning, too hot for the touch. Also a tad bit of a burning smell. I stopped driving the truck and parked her.
Anyone have any similiar occurances.?

 

I would try the thermostat first maybe it would be alot cheaper than replacing the rad if that was all that was causing this

 

Yep, you need a new rad. I went through the same thing.

 

Yep new radiator. All the sediment settles to the bottom. Must have broke loose with all the coolant work. Happened to my boss and he went through 2 rads before it cleaned up his 5.9 Ram. Good luck

 

is your radiator covered under warranty? if not, they are only about $160 from what i found online, and you could put it in yourself in probably 2 hours or so. or, take yours out if its not under warranty and take it to a shop, i believe they can test them in a tank right there.

 

All right i found someone with the same problem that I have(sorry didn't mean to sound so happy).My temp gauge is doing the samething...excact samething.the ony difference is the top of my radiator is cold and the bottom is hot,not too hot to touch but hot.I've asked around if itcould be the radiator But,none can come up with a definit answer.And redone4x4 where did you fnd one for $160 online all the ones i've found were $300+

 

I don't see a problem. Sounds about right to me. It isn't running hot and it doesn't cool too much.

 

Can't remember if the top or bottom of my bosses rad was hot or cold. But it was stone cold on one half and hotter that hell on the other. His was so clogged it blew a hose (the hot one) and overheated.

 

http://www.radiator.com/dodge-ram-20...20287ci,%20L-8
first one i found, dont know about shipping or anything though

 

I can't remember how this happened, but I used to drive a 1987 Toyota. This truck would overheat, and just spray antifreeze out the top. Two radiators were dropped in it, and it did nothing to solve the problem. Changed out the cap, and it worked like a charm. You might check the cap, if it isn't perfectly round on the little rubber part, replace it. It might not be that on your truck, but it couldn't hurt to look, it'd be a lot cheaper than a new radiator.