Where to find info on air conditioning install?

[ComatoseLlama]

I've got what I think is every part needed for a/c off of a parts truck, but I can't really find any info on adding a/c to the truck when it didn't come with it.

Do the Haynes manuals have details about how the system works? Haven't picked up a copy of my own yet. The main things I am worried about are wiring/vacuums and what sort of modifications need to be made under the dash. Has anyone done this swap before? I haven't been able to turn up much with google


Thanks,
CL

 

[gnathv]

I added factory air to an 81 bronco. I pulled everything out of an 86 pick up. I got the evaporator box, (inside and outside) compressor, evaporator, condenser, hoses, brackets, control panel, dash wiring harness, dash bezel for vents and in dash tubing. I did have to cut the firewall for the ac box. I cut out a cardboard template off the truck and transferred to the bronco. It looked like it came from the factory when I finished. I think I did use a Haynes manual for reference. I can’t remember if ac and non ac use the same heater core.

 

[gnathv]

What year truck are you working on

 

[ComatoseLlama]

1989 f350

Found this video which is very helpful, its essentially the whole process

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[Reggie f250]

If it's a 92 or newer it is a bolt on. Some wiring is already on the truck. Edit, answered too slow

 

[gnathv]

What year is your donor truck?

 

[ComatoseLlama]

What year is your donor truck?

1992, the whole engine is swapped in

 

[gnathv]

If you use 94 up components it’s r134, 93 or prior is r12.

 

[gnathv]

Sounds like 134 conversion then. When I converted my 93 it gave me fits until I tried a variable orifice tube, from then on it worked great.

 

[franklin2]

86-dwn trucks need to have holes cut in the firewall. It's a big job on those, which is why they had "dealer air" back then which was a dealer retro-fit for the early trucks to make it easier.

The 1986-dwn trucks had the heater core under the hood for a non-a/c truck and the heater core was behind the glove box for the factory a/c trucks. A lot of differences in those two systems. Around 87 they went ahead and left the heater core in the same position for both A/C and non A/C trucks.

 

[chris142]

Sounds like 134 conversion then. When I converted my 93 it gave me fits until I tried a variable orifice tube, from then on it worked great.

I have never had any luck with those variable tubes. I usually put in a tube with a smaller orifice. The different colors mean different sizes. I like the Orange one. Works great here in the desert.