Coolant Gauge Range

[fords4life]

Wondering where the needle should be on a 302 with a factory 192* thermostat? Before my lower manifold R&R the needle would sit between the N and the O almost all the time.  After installing a factory t-stat, I'm now riding between the R and the A depending on ambient and what speed I'm running on the freeway.  Wondering if the PO had a lower temp t-stat and all is good, or if I need to be looking into a cooling issue.  Anyone know the temp range on the sender?

[1986F150Six]

They vary from truck to truck. See if you can locate someone with an infrared hand-held thermometer and aim it at the base of the thermostat housing, once the engine is up to operating temperature. Be very careful of any moving parts.