1/4 to 1/2 is considered normal.Its when it gets higher , especialy close to the red that you have to start worrying about it being too hot.When I replaced my sensor and my thermostat it sits at 1/2 also.Before I replaced both , it barely moved at all on the guage <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.2 with mods.Hughes Air gap intake , 52MM TB , ford injectors, 2 3/4" lift, Doug Thorley headers , HID headlights with LED , HID fog lights , glow gauges , a few others