Temp sending unit
 

2wd or 4wd? Pic is of a 2wd with a front sump oil pan. 4wd you should have a rear sump oil pan and the dip stick is on the dvrs side of the engine coming out of the oil pan right?

You should have factory temp sensor threaded in on the front or top front of the block right next to the thermostat. With a single wire and a 90* slip on elec connection.

dipstick 2wd---front
4wd---drivers side
Are you replacing existing temp gauge? More info please.

Thanks for the replies, I have a 4wd and found where the temp sensor is located. My next task is tightening up the front end. I was going to begin by replacing all of the linkage bushings. I have a lot of play in the steering wheel. Any suggestions?

To find steering slop I like to put the front wheels on ramps so they are bearing weight and you can get underneath. Then get a helper to turn the steering wheel back and forth while you check each joint and the steering box for slop. For check of the steering box itself, best to have the engine running if power steering.

On the tie rod ends I like to wrap my hand around the joint then have the helper turn the steering wheel back and forth. This way the slightest slop will get detected over eyeballing for it.

With the 4wd trucks you don't even need the ramps. Just the helper.
This test described above will tell you everything from a cracked frame behind the steering box to loose wheel bearings.
It should be done to most trucks on a regular basis!

Even a tiny bit of slop in a trackbar bushing will lead to wandering and following the grooves in the road. Wheel bearings often get overlooked for decades. Or worse in some cases, re-done and adjusted incorrectly.

Lots of good stuff you can tell by doing that test.

Paul

Tie rod ends
 

Which bushings? Is this a 150, 250, or 350?
There are no bushings on the steering linkage. Only dust boots. The bushings that can effect ride and wandering on an F150 4wd are the trackbar bushings, C-bushings and rear radius arm bushings.
On an F250/350 you have leaf spring bushings.
Which is yours?

If the dust boots wear out, which is very common, then replacing them only would still depend on what condition the tie-rod ends are in. What did you mean by they look to be in good shape? You can't tell jack by looking, but if you performed that test that was described previously and nothing is loose even a tiny bit, then yes you can purchase the rod end boots to keep the grease in and the road debris out.
But you have to remove the rod ends from the knuckles, pitman arm and tie rod (still talking about an F150 though) so make doubly sure that your ends are perfect because if you're going to go to the trouble of removing them half way, this would be the perfect time to go the rest of the way and put new parts in if necessary.

Hope that works out. Buying dust boots is much cheaper than rod ends!
And speaking of that... Do you know yours is stock? Or could it have been changed out to something aftermarket over the years?

Paul