Yes.

 

I'm new to this stuff so would you mind explaining what exactly you mean by that?

 

I hope your experience ends up being better, and cheaper, than mine. I threw parts and labor at a '92 4.0 HO than ran hot for a year and a half. Nothing I did externally really seemed to cure the problem.

The original head was cracked. The replacement used head, which had 140,000 miles on it, kept blowing the rear freeze plug. The Jeep ran hot before and after a complete engine/head rebuild. I had to pull that head off after the fresh complete rebuild and get another used, but rebuilt head. That finally solved the problem.

All the stuff you are just starting to go through sounds like my early experiences. Temperatures at 235 degrees like on yours is really hot. I really hope the external maintenance you are doing solves your problems. I am skeptical based on my and others experiences. But I am hopeful for you.

I like my Jeeps a whole lot. But like many on this forum, I have poured lots of money and time into them. More than my share, I think sometimes. There doesn't seem to be many quick, easy, and cheap fixes for one than runs hot. Look around at the threads and I think you will begin seeing what I am getting at.

Good luck.

 

okay...so just for an update to all those that have given suggestions and advice.

1. thank you!
2. the oil pressure thing is still there. but nothing is wrong. idk. no time to chase it again.
3. the guages were messed up b/c the ground wire that is on the engine was loose.
4. over heating. bad thermostat.

now...my suspension seems loose. not sure how to explain this but it just does. like bolts are loose. i noticed that a lot of the bushings were smashed like pancakes. could this be the cause? thanks again!

 

Bushings are old, thereby causing slack.

 

any suggestions on where i can buy bulk bushings like those nifty red ones?

 

Those are probably polyurethane. Try QuadraTech or Rock Auto.

 

Wow! sounds like the PO's son was a real moron.

 

now that i'm thinking, the douche was sort of sneaky about. he got rid of a vehicle that he didn't want anymore then got his daddy to buy a new one. i'm sorry, i had to work for every vehicle and fix everyone of mine with my own hands and my own money. kids these days! but yeah he was/is a moron. the only reason why this jeep is running is b/c the motor is made rock solid. now, the motor and everything else is running great due to my diligent work. with the exception of the bushings.

 

I always recommend installing OEM style rubber bushings for better ride quality than Poly bushings.

 

When you say "Suspension" are you talking about the steering feels loose or the vehicle just rattles and bangs when you are driving?

If the steering feels loose, check your TRE's and track bar and make sure there isn't a bunch of slop. Also have a look at the steering damper and see if it may be worn out. All are relatively easy replacements.

"i noticed that a lot of the bushings were smashed like pancakes" I assume you are talking about the Sway bar link bushings. Replace with rubber ones like a previous poster suggested. Poly ones have a tendency to squeak.

 

So...just to update. I took it to Firestone to have the suspension looked at. Lower and upper control arms need to be swapped. The sway bar links are in needing of change due to the fact that they are cracked. Are these easy to do?

 

anyone know how it is to switch out the oil pump?

 

Drop the pan and it's easily accessible.

Why do you need to replace the pump?

 

It sounds like most of your gauge readings are erratic. What makes you think you can trust the temperature reading of 235? These temp gauges are notorious for being inaccurate.

Maybe you should spend a few bucks on the HF non-contact IR gun. It is on sale now: http://www.harborfreight.com/non-con...ter-96451.html
If you can't trust the gauge, this will give you independent data.