Any luck with flipping the t stat??

my advice would be remove thermostat and try it see if it over heats

A easy way to check for a head gasket leak or cracked head

(1) you need 4 long screwdrivers
(2) connect hose to engine and run it till its hot
(3) remove all 4 spark plugs
(4) place a screw driver down each spark plug hole
(5) wait a minute remove a screw driver one at a time and check for moisture of the screw driver
(6) if you find one with moisture that's the cylinder that's leaking

I have been using this method since I have been in the trade it works

Pulled the head
 

I already pulled the head off and took it to a machine shop. He showed me the area he thinks the head gasket was leaking and he thinks it is causing the overheat.

I will be putting everything back together later this week and test rid is scheduled for Sunday...I will keep you posted.

I think most guys on here recommend using a genuine head gasket

I don't think the Ford gasket will work on the 3.7, it doesn't seal the open deck.

is your exhaust riser closed up with rust scale ,ive been running a 470 for years ,never had a over heating problem, but changed the hole exhaust system a few years back

thanks SPARES for clearing that up

Riser
 

I am installing the machined head tomorrow...machine shop said it was warped. Also, installing new riser. Between these two items, overheat issue should be resolved.

I will let you guys know after test run on Sunday.

Has your engine got flat top pistons or dished ones

Pistons
 

Dished pistons