when i drive around town my temp doesnt get much over 180 but once i get o the highway my temp shoots up past 212 anyone else have the same problem

 

Many people have had that problem.

 

Could be lots of things. Poor coolant flow, weak radiator, bad waterpump, etc.

When was the last time any maintenance was done?

 

Those symptoms suggest a faulty water pump. I would also replace the thermostat while I'm in there.

 

Seems like the problem is 180, not 212.

 

That is what I was going to say...
My 98, 4.0 Runs between 210 and 212 all day long. That's a the correct temp for the 4.0.
What temp is your T-stat? It should be 195deg.

 

How far past 212 are you talkin?

And I'll ask the same question as Gee, when was the last time any maintenance was done to the cooling system?

 

3 mounts ago the whole coolant system was flushed still got hot so i replaced the water pump and got rid of the t stat
also sry for the late reply my computers been down

 

Since you changed out the water pump also but took out your t-stat you're not seeing if the water pump cured the problem. You need to put a 195deg. t-stat back in. Without one you are not letting the cooling system to work correctly. The T-stat keep the coolant in the radiator to cool it down. Put it back in and give it another try. Report back with the result so if the problem continues we can go at it again.
Good Luck

Edit:
Yea I'm an idiot and hit a 6 by mistake. I fixed it. LOL

 

196deg. t-stat seems high

 

It's not high. Well you actually want a 195 degree. That's what came from the factory on our XJs.

But yes, you do want to get a thermostat back in there.

Did you replace any components when you did the flush?

If you never have replaced any of them, I'd suggest replacing all of them at once - radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, radiator cap, fan clutch.

Make sure your electric fan is working properly too.