Throwing a bigger radiator at it and drilling holes in the thermostat is like putting a band-aid on a herpies outbreak; maybe you can't see the problem now, but it's still there.

I would try installing a real temp gauge. Just get a super cheap one from AutoZone that you can tap in somewhere and really see what's going on. Your stock temp gauge isn't telling you diddly squat.

 

I agree with the putting on a band-aid. New temp gage is a good idea too.

 

I have been experiencing the exact same problem on my 03 with a 5.4. it stared when it got cold out. I changed the thermostat because my heat would fade at a stop. After that is when i had the over heating for 10 to 15 seconds about 4 miles into my drive. i thought it was a bad stat so i changed it again with a 180 deg stant,and I'm having the same issue. I do have under-drive pulleys that could couse the heat to fade and when i changed the first stat i got a bubble but iv'e tried everything to burp it. My radiator cap was bad but changing it did nothing. I don't know what way to go now. I also can hear water gushing when driving and the truck is warming up.

 

First thing you need to do is get rid of that 180° thermostat. You don't need that at all, ever; much less this time of year. I have a stock thermostat (192°-195°), F250 radiator, and UD's and never have those problems.

Again, get a real temp gauge so you know exactly what's going on. The stock needle reaches the "normal" position somewhere around 160° and doesn't move unless the temp goes above ~235°...to me, that's pretty useless.