5.4 overheat

[TheFellaFella]

Im having issues tracking this down for about a year off and on. I have a brand new water pump, radiator and thermostat. I made a post about this a while ago and followed some tips but still having issues, i live in very hot central california, and im coming to the conclusion that the parts for this truck were NOT made with this heat in mind. Ive noticed the lower rad hose is slightly cooler than the upper, and i have a 1/8th inch hole drilled into thermostat from previous assesment. Does any one else live in a hot state and solved this issue? Is it possible that the oil cooler or timing could cause theres issues? Is there any heavy duty cooling components that could solve my problem indefinitely

 

[AWAR]

Does read hot on the gage? Is it loosing coolant? Does it derate engine power when hot? Does it only overheat on the freeway? How does it behave around town. I am familiar with central valley heat.

 

[TheFellaFella]

Gauge always reads hot so i use a scanner that gives me live data in truck, i can usually take the freeway for about ten mins till i have to exit, temps arent that bad on the road but still hot. 225 degrees is the highest i let it get, some times the temps fluctuate but ive been managing it but shutting off the engine at stop signs