So I removed the t stat and went for a drive. Ambient temp is 10 degrees warmer then the last couple days. Temps sit at 170 on highway. I'm thinkin you guys are right and my rad is the problem
170 ? That is GOOD. What is the problem? The rad may be the limiting factor in shedding heat (which it should be) but it does not sound like a problem.
IMHO, please look up graphs on engine wear versus temperature before going much further.