I recently replaced the following: radiator (Nissen metal 3 row), Hepu waterpump, 87C OEM thermostat, temp sending unit, coolant, radiator cap, hoses and a front pusher fan. Before replacing everything, the temp had been running between the 9 & 10 o'clock position sometimes even when driving but esp in traffic and the radiator had about 200K on it and the waterpump, 150K, so I figured I just do it all to solve my hot running issues. (Oh, and I already have bypassed the temp compensator board about 100K ago). My concern is that before I changed everything and all was well, at highway driving, the needle sat a needle or two's width below the 9 o'clock position and only with the a/c on in traffic would I need to turn on the pusher fan to keep it at 9 o'clock. Now, in highway or city traffic, the needle stays at a full needle's width above 9 and only rarely comes down to 9, never below, where I'd like it to sit. Also, the upper radiator hose does get hot, but not firm, but neither does the lower hose. Is this because these are brand new? I thought the when the upper is full of hot coolant because the thermostat has opened, that it will get firm from the hot coolant flowing through. Is there anything I'm missing or need to redo? Sorry for the long post.

Thanks
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'86 sedan with 342K miles with original engine and automatic transmission