1) Hoses will get hot with a radiator operating at 100% or 10%, and
2) they sure do.

 

Zactly.

 

Bad head gaskets will make you over heat but I would probly replace your radiator first

 

I had a combustion leak test performed (twice) and I passed it so there is no head gasket leak, or cracked heads, etc. I guess I will replace the radiator and see what happens. Doesn't the AC have some sort of thing sitting infront or behind the radiator.. would that need to be replaced as well?

 

That's the AC condenser and no, it has nothing to do with your engine cooling system and shouldn't need to be replaced.

 

The AC condensor isn't a part of the cooling system per se but it can affect it's performance if the fins are clogged thereby blocking air flow through the radiator. I did my system a couple weeks ago. After removing the radiator I powerwashed and blew compressed air through it and the condensor. Pretty darn dirty! One thing I haven't seen asked is if you have your mechanical fan shroud in place. If not and the condensor and radiator fins are clogged you'd pulling in very limited amount of air. Before I'd put my new radiator in,if your going that route,I'd make sure those condensor fins aren't restricted. I reckon you could pull your old radiator and clean it and the condensor and see if that solves your problem.