well i filled the reservoir, seemed a little low...., then tried or tested it again. not a drop of coolant that i could tell, unfortunately i did overfill it, but i made sure the radiator w/ that little 21mm plug was full first.
-all hoses were hot as they should be, seems that the coolant was "spraying on" the pass. cat conv., it must have been one of the heater core lines that go well above the pass. side exhaust manifold. i took a cup of water and poured it on the same two lines and lo and behold it landed right on the spot i think the steam was coming from!
-pretty sure on my next sojourn i will get a coolant system service and have the whole system checked for leaks and such..... a service shop owes me a favor and i think he'll do me right
-lastly how in the depths of hell can i remove all the mud from the exhaust pipes and undercarriage?? seems the prev. owner buried it and i have pressure washed it twice and its still covered! hahaha i'll bury it the day after i clean it all off, prolly!

 

Heres how I clean the salt off my truck every spring.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tQ2Tp3u_f8
Otherwise take it to the full service automatic carwash.