See Post # 11. 180* thermostat will not help.

Did you test stat and get a new cap?

 

See post #11

 

This is the third thermostat that I have bought. All have been 195 deg thermostats 2 fail safe ones from O'Reillys and the high flow one I'm on now from Quadratec. The radiator cap is also a new 16psi cap.

I do have a smittybilt xrc bumper with bull bar and aquadratec 9500i winch, however I was having some temp issues before they were installed.

I talked with a mechanic and he recommended I check the fuel injector spray pattern, because one could be not functioning correctly and lean out the motor in extreme conditions. And in extreme conditions I am hearing a bit of noise which sounds like maybe valves pinging.

 

Valves don't ping.
If you're concerned about that, get a can of BG 44K. Add it to a full tank of gas. Run it to half, and fill it again. Run that tank down to about 1/8.

I don't think that's your issue.

I only use factory stats any more. 52028186. Little pricey but work great.

 

Well I have the same winch and that freaking thing blocks atleast 40% of the radiator. Your smittybilt bumper might let it sit a little lower than mine, but I'm pretty sure my 9500i causes me to run warm on hot days when the engine really starts working because your not getting good heat transfer when the winch blocks so much. Just a thought.

Maybe try taking the winch off for a day or two and see if it still happens.

 

Here's a thought, what about the large ac condencer in front of the radiator? Could that be clogged and blocking airflow?

 

Might look like this?

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...art=68&ndsp=28

 

pull and read the spark plugs. that will tell you what you need to know about the fuel mixture. the pinging you're hearing is most likely detonation because the engine is so hot.