1995 ctd and my temp gauge is acting weird some times it will work just fine others not at all the cost of a new sending unit is over $100 is there something i should check or a way to check the one in the truck to make sure that i need it before i spend the money on a new one

 

You can get a digital thermometer (the ones you point and click) and check you radiator hose with it. It wont be the exact same temp but it can tell you if the other is reading correctly

 

i know that the gague is not reading right i guess i would like to figure out if it is the gage, sender ,wire broken berore buying a bunch of parts i don't need

 

where did you get the $100 dollar price tag for this thing? auto zone has them for 12 bucks Coolant Temperature Sensor | 1995 Dodge RAM 2500 3/4 ton 2WD 6 Cylinders C 5.9L Turbo Diesel | AutoZone.com