One problem right after the other. This time: Radiator Hose and Thermostat
 

1986 K5 Chevy Blazer 4x4 305

So I had just installed my new starter last night. Anyways, I'm driving down the freeway coming home from work. I just happen to look at my temp gauge and saw that it was shooting up towards max temp pretty quickly. I immediately got of the freeway to park my vehicle to see what was wrong. Right when I parked (luckily, there just so happened to be an Autozone right there) I noticed all this smoke coming out from under my hood. I pop the hood and see that my radiator hose is completely blown. I'm guessing by the location of the tear that the hose had just about had it and was building up pressure, the tear in the hose was at the end where the hose connected to the engine. I can fix the hose no problem.

My main problem is with the thermostat. I noticed earlier that my temp gauge would move up 3/4 the way and then back down to normal temp and stay there when driving. I didn't really think any of it but now I wish I would have replaced the thermostat earlier. I've never had to replace the thermostat and I'm not too sure where it's located. Is it underneath the air intake?

Thanks for all your help!

The thermostat is located under the elbow where the upper radiator hose connects to the engine. Remove those two bolts and there it is.

While you are replacing things, replace both the upper and lower radiator hoses and the radiator cap.

I am very partial to the Stant brand safety caps. Makes checking radiator fluid when the radiator is hot a breeze!

I also recommend that you flush the system and get some new coolant in there.