Just got 95 cherokee on the road today, its been sitting for about 2 years maybe longer. Couple weeks ago got her running idled in driveway for about 25 mins temp was good. It was about 95 degrees here today i took it for the first long test drive. Temp ran up to about 235 while going down the road went down to aboput 220-225 with highewr speed. Coolant level is good. Both upper and lower radiator hose where hot, but rock hard. There was alot of pressure on the system as well. I am thinking thermosat is stuck but just wondering everyone elses opinion. Thanks

The entire cooling system can be replaced for about $250 in parts, is relatively easy to do and if u replace it all at once u eliminate the guessing and only have to drain/refill coolant once.

Radiator
Water pump
T-stat
Fan clutch
Hoses
Belt
Coolant

No offense, but i don't think replacing everything is a suitable answer. I would think if you've got pressure in the top hose then your water pumps got good pumping power and your thermostat isn't shut. But the lower hose has a spring in it so if its hard it doesn't necessarily mean good flow, so i'd check the radiator and make sure the fan is working properly. Hope this helps.

I would check headgasket, that will cause it to overheat while driving(more bubbles entering) and it would cause rock hard hoses.

I dont think its a head gasket no coolant in oil or vice versa and its not losing any coolant. Fans are also working properly. I did a search and found a thread stating about improper belt tension. I am gonna check that after work tomorrow and this weekend i will change thermostat and flush radiator. What would everyone recommend as a method for flushing the radiator??? should i just use a garden hose or should i pressurize it somehow?