Fan clutch replacement guidance and recommendations

Think about this;
1) A fan clutch allows the fan to turn off or slip, depending what kind it is. Thus it will not help an overheating engine even one bit.
2) saying the timing is good, is meaningless.
3) saying a factory gauge is whatever, is likewise, meaningless.
4) saying the underhood heat is excessive, is also meaningless.
5) saying you don't know if the lower hose is collapsing is not at all helpful.

Here's what you have to do.
Firstly; get an accurate temperature gauge, and,
Secondly; determine the efficiency of the system; If the coolant temp drops 30 degrees, from top to bottom at idle, then it is as good as it gets. If only 20*, then it is borderline, but you still cannot blame the rad for that. You have more diagnostic checks to perform.