Too Hot

Just a thought....

I did not see that you mentioned the year and rad configuration.

If the in and out are on the drivers side pre 70 style, there is / should be a baffle in the top tank to divert flow to the pass side.

Maybe? When they did the repair they did not put it back in.

As for top hose lower hose temps...

Yes there should be a noticable difference. I measured mine on a long interstate drive and it was close to 50 deg difference.

The bigger the difference the more efficient your rad / cooling system is.