Your thermostat opening temp is too low. Opening Temp has nothing to do with operating temp except to keep engine above a specified temp.
Disconnect the radiator trans cooler and just run the external one. No need in the southwest for the radiator trans cooler.
Today's fuel requires a 195 degree thermostat.
Do not use water wetter-causes issues if left in too long.
60% water, 40 % antifreeze, bottle of "be cool"
Use the viscous fan and a thermostatic fan clutch, do not use direct drive or any aftermarket fan. It's in the book-the mopar book. I did not make this up. I think mother Mopar's Larry Shepard might have a clue so be careful with advice you get from the internet.
Your radiator core is suspect-the center tubes are probably restricted, so some diagnosis with IR temp gun will tell you everything you need to know before throwing mud at the wall. Cheap ones are at China Freight.
Did you read the part about the thermostat??? that's not an old wives tale.
