I have an 86 F150 with 5.0L. Looking to install an aftermarket hang on a/c. Anyone have pics of their installation? Already removed smog pump so will probably mount it on the passenger side.

 

I wating to see someone reply to this as well. I would like to do the same thing.

So you can remove the smog pump to replace it with a compressor? That would be nice, i was unclear of what type of bracket to look for.

Thanks

 

kh0432, you might want to contact forum member fljab. Here is a link to his thread... he has purchased the components and is working on this [his engine is a 6 cylinder, though]. Scroll down about 1/2 page and follow.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...florida-8.html

 

I'm here.

Do you have a floor shift? That is the main obstacle with mounting an underdash unit, and you will still probably need to get a compact unit.

I have the 4 sp SROD trans w/floor shift. I got the smallest underdash unit at Nostalgic air (in Ocala, FL) and it still needs a little bit of clearance. I have not as yet pulled the shifter to modify it, but that's next.

Compressor mount: I don't know what's available for the 5.0, but I'd think more than for my 4.9 six. If you can find a stock York mount, it can be converted with a York to Sanden adapter which are pretty common on ebay. You might get lucky and find a V belt type mount that will go where you want it to; I was not and ended up making my own that came out pretty good. In my case was able to basically use some 1/4" steel plate and 6" angle. It was a be-otch getting all this cut the way I wanted with my Harbor Freight band saw, but patience got me through it.

The other big issue not yet decided in my case is where to drill through the firewall to pass the hoses. And, you'll need to drill and route a drain line into the cab floor from the evap unit.

My AC install has stalled for a bit due to the friggin' hot weather in Florida right now. I have another truck to drive that has cold AC, so not highly motivated to get out there in the hot sun and pick up on it at this time. I'll get back on it in Sept or so probably when it cools some.

Good luck, any Qs, ask!

 

I think I can fabricate mounting brackets for the compressor. I need to find a 3 groove crankshaft pulley. If I route the belt around any of the other components i won't get enough surface area contacting the pulleys. I'd like to run a separate belt for the compressor.

 

Good news on the compressor bracket. I ordered materials from McMaster Carr, but it would have been cheaper if a salvage metal place is convenient to you.

Start looking for those pulleys! Altho, I'd think that should be fairly available for a 5.0. Curious, the compressor is going where the air pump was? what was the belt routing for that?

 

The air pump ran off of a short belt driven by the alternator. Can't use that as the compressor would turn too slow

 

Got it; yes, need a dedicated pully, probably both the dampner and water pump/fan.

Back to the underdash unit - do you have a floor shift, or is it on the column? You'll probably still want an smaller unit. Mine is a standard cab so don't have to cool as much. I got this one:

Nostalgic AC - UD-110 Under-Dash A/C Only Evaporator Unit - Underdash Evaporators - Evaporator Units

 

Fljab, thanks for your info, pictures and updates that you are doing to your truck. I have read your updates that 1986F150six sent me too (thank you by the way).

All of this will help me down the road. Im just a crappy youtube mechanic who's just learning this stuff. Im still just trying to learn the lingo and part placement. So all of your trials and successes totally help the mechanical challenged people like me. So thank you!

My shifter is on the column. Ive have been to several salvage yards looking at compressor bracketry but am unsure of what exactly i need. I have found several brackets but not sure if ive pulled the right ones....lol.

Ive probably got the right brackets but I just dont know the difference between the dealer and factory set up. By the way, my truck never had air installed so i thought my best bet and easiest set up would ne the under the dash setup. Is that correct?

 

Factory installed AC is all behind the dash, not under it. The firewall is different in enough ways that it's really difficult to retrofit a factory setup in a cab that didn't have it. IMO, it is much easier to add a cooling-only underdash unit from the aftermarket.

Those units do come up used. I have one, but it was just too big for what I wanted, so went with a new one that was smaller. As I haven't yet hung mine, exactly what you need to do it is something I don't know exactly as yet, but there are some guidelines.

Every unit like I have linked to that I have seen has a captive nut in each side. Use those with a L or angle piece of metal to support it from the dash. It will also likely need to be supported in the back which I guess could be done above from someplace under the dash, or maybe to the inside of the firewall, or maybe from below on the transmission hump. Not sure yet, but do some digging on aftermarket AC websites and ask questions about installation.

Your shifter on the column makes it much easier. My floor shift is what is holding me up right now. Maybe I need to get out there and start on it again!

And Youtube is a great resource, I go to it often when I need to see how something is done. If you're good at searching it there should be videos on just about every aspect of the install. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

If you have any junkyards nearby that have one of these trucks with your engine and A/C, I would think it would be easier to get the pulleys and compressor mount off it and use the factory setup on the engine, even though you will be using a aftermarket underdash unit in the cab.

I know finding these old trucks in the junkyard is getting harder and harder though.

 

Ive had it pretty lucky. I have quite a few salvage yards near me that have quite a few of the 80-85 fords. I have pulled off quite a bit from them. Besides their motors, some of them have hardly been touched. Unfortunately, most the compressors have been removed...except for a few rusted ones....

Man Franklin, i hadnt even thought about pulleys. I forgot there are probably several variations of those. Ill have to go check asap. Thanks Franklin!!

 

Fljab,
Did you fab brackets end up working out for you?

If not, im fairly certain i came across another set of these at the JY if you need them.

 

Paint, the brackets you found are they for the York compressor or like the one in the picture?


Do you know the year truck it is in as I thinking the compressors changed around 82 or 83 where I think his (and mine) is 81.
I just don't know if the block brackets are the same between them but I got a feeling they are not.


I said "and mine" as I am looking for AC brackets for a 81 4.9 six to mount my York compressor.
Then again guess I could buy compressor to fit the brackets if that want it takes to get AC working in my truck.
Dave ----


edit: Added picture of the York brackets - Thanks Gary Lewis

 

Dave,

My truck is an 82 and the one i took it off of was an 82.

If the picture you attahed is what you need, I'm pretty sure that style was there as well. I cant be sure, but im 75% those brackets were in a truck that I looked at...

Like I said, I am not even close to a mechanic so i am refrencing another 82 truck that is just like mine(82 f250, 4.9L 300).....but with air..hahaha!

That being said...

They have an 80' & 81' as well. One of them had a different bracket ( 75% sure it was that bracket you attached) then the truck i pulled one from. There was an 85' bracket that was wayyy different as well.

When i go there again, I'll take a pic for you and show it to you. If its what you need, I'll pull it if you wish.

Thanx for your help with this...

Bryan