clutch fan, cooling, flow problems

[azzli]

i need help. before i start replacing things that aren't broken, i wanted to see if anyone could help figure this out.
i was driving when i noticed a squeal from one of my belts above 2500 rpm. the belts were just replaced this summer, they are still tight. i turned all electric off, lights, stereo, heat, etc... continued the squeal at that rpm. then i noticed my temp guage was bottom cold after driving for an hour and a half. i also noticed an unfamiliar noise wich turned out to be my clutch fan spinning with the engine. i replaced the thermostat since the other was stuck open and everything "seemed" ok for about an hour. i started it and at first the fan started doing the same thing, then stopped after a couple of min. after driving it for about 20 min. everything started over with the exception of the temp. guage.
i think the thermostat i replaced was a cooler temp one, because it would take so long to warm up. the new one seemed to warm up better according to the "factory temp. guage". but after limping it back to my apt, i noticed the temp guage about 3/4 the way up while in first gear. i parked and got out and felt the return hose to the radiator, not hot but warm after driving 30 mins., and the radiator cap was cool. i did notice after it warmed a little i could watch the needle climb a little on the temp. guage. and the clutch fan was blowing with the engine constantly again.
so if anyone can help i would appreciate it. i'm hoping i will just have to replace the water pump, but things are never that easy.