The top radiator hose on my 90 ranger with 2.9 liter v6 is hot while the bottom radiator hose is a lot cooler, new thermostat and coolant with flush. smells hot though no leaks.

 

So, what is the problem? This is the way it works... hot coolant comes out the top of the engine, flows through the radiator and is cooled, and is returned at the bottom.

Are you sure you installed the correct thermostat in the correct manner (IOW not upside down)? This happens more often than you'd like to think.