ok so i think my 1992 3vze is running too hot...i just replaced the thermostat and coolant...took it for a 10 min drive and everything is very hot to the touch...the top rad hose is very very hot as is the top of the rad and rad cap...top of the engine is very very hot as well...the bottom of the rad and the bottom rad hose are just warm...the heater inside the truck was working during the drive...small pinging kind of sounds coming from engine as well...however my temp gauge inside never reaches halfway let alone getting into the red...so is it normal for the rig to get this hot after a short drive ? or is it likely i am getting too hot and the gauge is faulty ? any input is greatley appreciated

 

I would verify engine temperature with an appropriate temperature reading/testing device such as a laser temperature gun.

Keep in mind that normal under hood operating temperatures are 200 degrees+/-... that being said 200 degrees is pretty hot to the touch.

However the engine "pining" has my attention and is slightly concerning if that's indeed what the noise you describe is. An overheating engine can and will "ping" due to the excessive combustion chamber temperatures.