I just want to give a big, BIG thank you to OffroadAZ for your help on the Broken Arrow run. He and Sc00by helped with some suggestions since my XJ was running WAY too hot (almost 260 at times... really scarry). Even on every day runs like to and from work, it was getting up to 240 and I was having to turn the heat on dissapate heat and cool that baby off.
Chris's suggestion was to check the thermostat and replace it with a 180 instead of the factory 190, plus change the coolant ratio from 50/50 to 75/25. Paul suggested wiring my fan to a swich and installing hood vents as well (upcoming projects).
After doing some reasearch, I found that what was recommended most for an XJ (expeically in a hot, desert setting and if you have built up motor with a high torgue cam), was to go with the 160 degree thermostat, so I did. I also drained my coolant and put new coolant in with a 75/25 mix to raise the boiling point.
After installing the $7.99 160 degree thermostat last night, my XJ never topped 190 on the way into work today, even in stand still traffic on the 101. For that past week, that journey usually had me closer to 230 and 240 each morning, and turning on the darn heater! grrrrrr I can't tell you happy and relieved I am after this morning's ride in to work.
So, Chris, thank you buddy. Paul, thank you for your input as well and I look forward to doing those things too. I appreciate the trail advice and wanted to let you know it worked like a charm. Prior to my next trail ride however, I'm also going to wire my fan (when I do the roof rack lights) and install hood louvers, so I will be one cool customer next time we ride! (especially for a guy in a station wagon!)
Thanks everyone!