Bit the bullet and changed out the thermostat, and the temp sensor, and finished the flush. Everything went great. The thermostat needed a razor blade to scrape out the gasket, but other than that, and odd positions getting the sensor out and in, it was quick and painless. The truck stays around 205 mostly under 40, and then goes to 215ish then the fan comes on, usually only did it when I was over 45 mph (like 45-52). 75ish degrees, and at a mile high in Denver. I think I was around 10 degrees hotter than stated on gauge, although it could have been that piece of RTV stuck in the overflow that was causing the issue..
All my shocks came in, sourcing the needed tools, and bought a jack (how did I get away without one this long?). Got new ball joint boots, we'll see how well the joints are, hoping to get away with just boots. One of them threw some grease all over the control arm / tire, and then decorated the underside of the hood.
Have a line on an extended cover, so my bed will be dry. Can't wait till rainy season is over (yes Denver has a rainy season) then it's going to go topless. Also grabbing new Baja's from Wes. Still need to give it a good detailing all around, starting in the engine bay, quite dirty, but cleaned up in the areas I touched really well. Got new seats, will wait a bit until I know that it's dry... Pumped up the tires from 30 all around to 35 F / 40 R. Feels a little better rolling.