Thatobs89
Newbie
this is very late.. But what kind off water pump did you buy? I'm having the same exact problem as you.I didn't want to open the back cover on the new pump, and you wouldn't be able to see much in a photo without that open. But I did see through the outlet that both sides were cast correctly.
I installed the pump and heated up the truck. With the thermostat sensor reading 190, the gauge sits steadily at the 3/8 mark. This case is closed.