UPDATE

First off, THANKS to all that offered help.

It seems that I have the problem licked.

After getting the cooler back on, put the A/C and P/S pump back on. Then it was to the other side to do the new THERMOSTAT. When that project was complete, filled with oil and water and started it WITHOUT putting the ALT and VAC pump back on (trying to save a little work). Had a leak that was showing at the back of the oil pan. Went a got the pressure tester again and found leak at THERM housing, tightened.

Things seemed to be good, so let the motor run to operating temp (as shown on dash gauge). Left the rad cap off so any oil that would would drain to coffee can thru overflow. Things going well, so drained some "water" and replaced with 2 gal of hot water/auto dish machine powder. Ran for about 45 mins. Shut down and installed ALT and VAC. Next day, fired up and DROVE it to fill front tank, and then drove aprox 12 miles.

All seems good now. Still cleaning with the dish machine soap until tomorrow and then will rinse good and fill with plain water and drive the 18miles to work.

Still DO NOT have a good feeling about all this.

NOW FOR THE 6 million dollar Question: When will I get over this feeling and start to trust the truck again??

One other question: I found another 'sensor' behind the thermostat housing that I cannot figure out what it is for. Can anyone shed light on this item?

Thank to all again