I have a 1989 cherokee that I would like to change from the plastic bottle to a "normal" radiator system. Can I just buy a radiator with a presure cap and hoses or is there something else that is needed?

What is wrong with what you have now?
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Nothing in particular at this time. Plastic in a thermal cycle system does not strike me as something that will last. I have always liked to eliminate as many things that can go wrong as possible ie; long hoses, plastic bottles,ect ect. I may replace the radiator anyway and upgrading to a newer system seems to be a way to eliminate some of these potential problems.

It has lasted 18 years... you going for another 18? Those systems work and last just fine. Make sure to keep a good thermostat in there and keep the system in good repair so leaks don't sneak up on you and you will be Ok.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

as far as "something that will last" is concerned, once you start modifying the stock vehicle you're aking to wrench on your ride more often. any little thing you change may have unforseen consequenses. stockers run 200k miles with maintanence only. they're designed well by a team of engineers with degrees in mechanical engineering. don't crush the quarterpanel in a rollover and the bottle will be fine. if you do roll it over you've got more problems than the bottle.

Just put a brand new radiator in my 92 Cherokee,$143 out the door. took an hour or so to put it in.
It has the overflow tank (behind battery) and pressure blow by cap with return hose, my buddys 87 doesn't.
Man this thing runs super cool now. It ran 210 and up all day before, now I can't break 180 even after a long fast run on the highway.
Old one was scaled, rusted tired and busted.

Might consider just replacing yours with a new one and not worrying about it for couple hundered thousand miles.

It is supposed to run 210 or there abouts.. ALL late model vehicles do.. If you put less than a 195* thermostat in there take it out and put the 195* the factory calls for back in there.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

T-stat is next.Have a new one just waiting for the upper hose that goes around the AC pump to come in. Guy gave me a short one that won't fit.
Old one is opening, both hoses get hot after 5-10 min. Coolant temp sensor is proboly due too. Looks like the origional.

**Rant

Why is everyone so eager to replace good working parts because they are still there? I had 190K miles on my stock O2 sensor when it failed. In fact, it is the only sensor I have had to replace. All the other sensors/actuators are still running fine with 210K miles...

Now, I can see having a no start condition and not having the tools/knowledge to test a CPS and just replacing it. But replacing parts because you think they are old? On an engine that is running just fine? I guess if you have the money it is nice to replace all the parts because you can every time you feel they are old. In the Chilton manual, there is a chart in the engine performance section of the book that lists resistance values and temperatures for the CTS and MTS why not hook an ohm meter up to the sender and see if it is in spec?

** End rant