my current '96 runs up to 220F if idling, but driving at any speed over about 40mph the airflow through the radiator should be enough to cool down to normal running temp,which is around thermostat temp, it should not get hot unless working very hard, and/or the ambient temp is 90F+

My previous '96 would oveheat, problem was mainly radiator, to test, if hot while driving at reasonable speed, turn heater on full blast

If temp falls, chances are its your radiator (because the heater with fan is like a mini extra radiator)

The way I fill mine is to have cap at highest point, add some coolant, then run engine with heater valve open, ideally the thermostat has to open,
in any case, I leave the cap off overnight to allow air bubbles to rise to the highest point, and see if it will top up in the morning

They are hard to bleed, I have heard so, and had it happen to me once

 

Alrighty a quick update. New autozone radiator and water pump are in, took on a drive to work essentially and I think we’re all good now! It was a lil cloudy and about to rain but AC was on the entire time and the temp stayed almost pegged between 190-210 the entire way. Roughly about 25-30 miles one way. The way home is uphill and the to is down hill. Thanks all for your input, much appreciated!