where is the upper end of the safe range?
running around today at 210 degrees, and its not hot out yet.
Also I suppose its time to start looking for a fan shroud.
just want to know when the heater needs to be turned on.

210 is ok if any higher you will need a shroud. Or helper fan loss or a cooler thermostat if you haven't already. Maybe a four core rad, the price keeps going up , but im sure a shroud should do the trick

230 is the starting point for overheating

I have thought about adding the Broncool from Bailey Built if I have any temp issues this Summer.

I've seen those too-they're cool (no pun intended). I've been wondering if there isn't any reason I couldn't just attack my inner fenderwells with a 1/2" drill bit.

Never seen it what is that?

They are "replacement" panels for your inner fenderwells that are full of holes to allow the heat build up to escape. We have thought about those for the 74 and making normal blanks too for the winter and the muddy trails. Another thing is to heat wrap the headers. Makes such a huge difference in underhood temps. I have jet hot coated headers on my car and they help but not as much as heat wrapped.

For engine heat get a big radiator and shroud. A good mechanical fan is just fine. On both broncos I run a good mechanical and an electric pusher for those really hot days. the 351w in the 74 will usually run 190~ and the 460 in my 79 runs 195-205. Also dont go ping in a really low temp t stat. You actually want the fluid to stay in the radiator the longest it can to radiate all the heat out. It actually works really well. I heard that trick from a mechanic. run a 180 or 190 stat. For the aux electric fan I have mine wired to a dpdt switch. one side runs it through a t-stat and the other way is on. works like a charm out wheelin.

before doing anything make sure the guage is reading correctly , i just helped a guy who spent money on a water pump , 2 thermos and only to find out gauge was way off scale . i finally shot with an infared gun at the sensor to prove to him everything was ok.

Brian, if you're going to be at the breakfast I've got a temp gun I can bring to double check your gauge.

777- I am assuming the guage is accurate.
brand new with new sensor and wiring (autometer)

Justin-planning on dragging the whole fam up there sat, never thought of the verification.
I have one of those temp guns as well for work that I can "borrow" to check its temp.
thanks though for the offer, bigger thanks for the idea