My temp gauge on ym 97 2.8l slowly creeped past half. I have jus recently had water put kit replaced and oil change... is this normal i mean i was driving highway, and came to a few sudden stops, and it semed tog et hotter when i stoped, and go back to normal when driving

 

I hope they changed the thermostat while doing the water pump, if not thats your problem.
If yes, then check your fan clutch. How you do that is start the engine, and have someone else rev the motor and watch the fan, if it doesn't increase in speed with the engine as it should then the clutch is bad.
Another test is to stick a screwdriver in the fan while the engine is running, if it stops and feels like it doesn't have any resistance the clutch is bad.

 

yeah thermostat was replaced along with all the belts and a pulley, and the big fan seems to increase speed with acceleration.

 

could use more advice anyone??

 

I dont know the 2.8 very well, but if the fan is electric, and speeding up with accel and slowing down while stopping, your alternator may be going out. is the voltage fluctuating alot? when you give it gas does it jump +3-4V then settle back down at a stop? Again i dont know the 2.8 but every other engine I have ever known the fan does more work at a stop then it does while moving, when your idling the fan needs to compensate for the air thats not gushing through the front like when your going down the highway.

Also, the more obvious thing is they could have left air in your coolent system. You may ned to reflush it.