Blower Motor Upgrade
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
I am going to upgrade the actual squirrel cage in mine. The motor rpm is the same as newer units but the design of the cage is so much different.Newer vehicles have the cage almost up to the plenum walls this forces air in one direction instead of just whipping the air. The newer units use off center curved blades and move a lot of air.The one I have been looking at and looks like it will fit is from a 2003 expedition.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 114
Likes: 1
From: Tyrone GA
Yeah, I can say that I experimented with different motors to see if the RPMS were different, and they all spun about the same speed. The difference is definitely in the blower wheel design, and the heater box design itself. Make sure you don't do what I did, and reverse the polarity of the wires!! Unfortunately, our blowers/heater boxes are just really inadequate in a Bronco. Fine in a truck, but no good in an SUV. It'd almost be worthwhile to install some sort of rear AC unit from a later model expedition. That would help immensely in my opinion. Sadly, I no longer own a Bronco, and my '84 F-150 will freeze you out!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 6,938
Likes: 13
Not sure on the A/C unit thing. I know if you open the lines, you loose freon and introduce air, which will ruin the dryer i think, other than that no idea. I forgot all about this thread. Its winter, and yes my heater still bearly keeps it livable in the cab, pretty sure one of my vents arent opening all the way, as its gotten worse. It will blow hot air... just not sure from where, it sure aint the vents. I was under the impression that it was probably the box / cage design that was holding our units back, or a combination of the very large vents slowing air speed. Im definately interested in what you find out with the expedition squirell cage.
New User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 48
From: Middle TN
I don't know who started that rumor that if you remove the cover of the ac box you have ruined it. I think they believed that it would not seal. This is not true, I have drilled the rivets out of several units and used sheet metal screws to reattach the cover. This comes in real handy when the blower motor needs cleaning out or the bearings need a couple of drops of oil. When I oil the bearings in mine, it blows more air as a result of increased fan speed.
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
Hello, I Just viewed the North Country pictorial on installing a new factory blower motor. MAN what a mess! I am pretty sure I am gonna have to do this, as my blower howells and squeeks almost all of the time. I was hoping for something easier. Dammit!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 377
Likes: 0
From: Canyon, TX
I didn't have to go that far (I stopped after the heater core removal/install part) but the North Country instructions are very good. Made the difference for me. Sorry you gotta do all of the other stuff to get to the blower motor!
Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
Did anyone ever figure out how to get more air. I changed blower motor and wheel. cleaned my coil, cleaned out the leaves, replaced the heater core, and put all back together. I even changed my center duct due to dry rot. I have air flow, just not hard like the 80 and up trucks.
Also, my new blower has a harmonic vibration. My old one didn't work so I don't know if this is normal to these old trucks. My blower wheel and shaft seem to be balanced, no wobble.
Also, my new blower has a harmonic vibration. My old one didn't work so I don't know if this is normal to these old trucks. My blower wheel and shaft seem to be balanced, no wobble.