Toyota Repair: 1996 toyota tacoma, radiator hose, temp gauge

Question
hello ted..i have a 1996 toyota tacoma 2.4 engine 5 speed 2 wheel drive with 214326 miles.one day i drove it about 15 miles i was checking for a noise when i felt of the lower radiator hose it was not warm,i have replaced the thermostat it still the lower hose does not get warm.the engine does not overheat the heat gage runs half way.should the lower hose be the same temperature as the top hose?could the radiator be geting stoped up?i have back flushed it and the coolant is clean.i have never run in to something like this befor. oh yes the heater does put out good heat it works fine

Answer
The radiator is not the problem, I'm not even sure there is a problem if the engine doesn't overheat and stays near the halfway mark on the temp gauge. The lower hose should be warmer than the top, this is correct.  Does the elctric cooling fan work correctly and not stay on all the time?