'86 base ranger, 2.3, 5spd, no PWR steering, no PWR brakes. I want to add A/C, anybody do this already? What's involved? Any and all info is greatly appreciated.

 

You need obviously a compressor, which may have to be 2.3L specific, and a new accessory belt to run it. You'll need the wiring for it, the condensor, all the lines, the stuff on the firewall, and the interior controls for it.

 

Is this something that allready had a/c and someone removed? Or has it never had a/c? You would a compressor = 214$, condenser=222$, evaporator (dealer air)=273$, acumulator=20 bucks. These are about prices. You would probably just want to install like a "dealer air" kit or something.

Because you basically need to get the evaporator in your HVAC box. unless it allready has one then its a different story. Then you need to fab up some controls for the a/c in your truck, or get a panel from a junkyard, then buy the suction and discharge hoses, hook up your drier, put in your condesnser and comperessor, get a belt on that. Complete all of your wiring (which should be fairly easy). then just fill it up. Dont forget R134a is about 7 bucks per can, and it will probably take about 3-4 cans, also you need to have someone hook a vacuum pump up to it to get all of the moisture out of the system, if you dont complete that step you might as well just throw everything away that you bought.

Other than that you should have some good working a/c.

I guess if you play your cards right you could have it all for about 1,000$ going to junkyards and stuff. Just make sure you have someone pull a vacuum on it.

 

Dadzilla, that's about the best screen name I've run across in a long time. I guess we can assume you have kids and don't want them to follow the modern trend of hanging out at home till their 28 . Independance is a good thing!

1000 bucks is a lot of cash for an old 86 unless she's a pristine and valued part of the family, in which case it would be a nice upgrade. I was going to suggest that rolling down the window was free, till I saw your in San Jose. We have a sponsor here called DirectFordParts who has very reasonable prices and discounts for FTE members. I would'nt suggest boneyard components, unless their pristine.

Factory armstrong steering eh? Must have been one of the last ones. I would'nt change that just for historical reasons. The kids'll never want to borrow it, lol.

Let us know how it goes, and good luck.

Fred