1969 F250 4x4 ran hot

[Old Beast]

Today I took my old truck in the woods putting up signs for a hunt club. The old owner had put a 390 in it. While running on the dirt paths for awhile I noticed the temperature rising. All of the driving was in 2nd gear and we must have started and stopped at least ten times. We didn't stop any longer than 10 minutes at any one spot and we drove for about 45 minutes before I noticed the gauge. The tempt was approximately 225-230 when I shut it down. On the highway the temp stays 185-195. I don't have a recovery tank on the truck and the overflow hose that comes out of the radiator had some steam coming out of it when I shut it down. I put a new thermosat on it about an month ago and new coolant as preventative maintenance. When the truck is started and let alone to warm up the temp goes up to about 195 and down to about 175-180 without over heating and it never overheats at highway speed. I way told not to be concerned by some members of the club, but I am. Is this natural, what should I look for? Thanks.

[fordman]

it coul dbe the stop and start drivign that did it. since it worked fine on the highway.

[ToughOldFord]

It'd be a good idea to put a recovery tank on it.

[dbusedautoparts]

Are you running a fan shroud? If not you may have plenty of air flow on the hiway but not enough for off road / stop and go use. A recovery tank is also a good Idea as tough old ford said.

[Old Beast]

Thanks guys for the ideas. No, I don't have a fan shroud or recovery tank, but I will be looking to install both items. Doesn't sound like it will be too complicated. I don't think there is anything wrong with the water pump, but since I really don't know whats in it I was thinking about trying to purchase and install a high flow what pump. Any ideas.

Thanks