Blower Motor Upgrade
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 2
From: London, Ontario Canada
I've never been around the '75-'91 Econoline Vans enough, but I do know they do share some parts with our Trucks, has anyone looked into this? maybe by 1991 Ford had a improved Fan/Cage setup that might work in our Trucks? either a direct bolt in, or possibly some minor modifications to make it work? just thinking about the Econoline Vans and some of them were Club Wagons, so they had people in the rear, so I would assume Ford would've had a better blower setup by the 1980s?
I'm interested, my Truck's Blower howls very loudly, I was thinking of oiling it, but if there is a fan upgrade, I might consider it over just buying another blower motor, anyways if no one has looked into the possible Econoline connection, then I might have to eventually, anyways this isn't the highest priority for me on my list, so I wish everyone luck,
-Brent
I'm interested, my Truck's Blower howls very loudly, I was thinking of oiling it, but if there is a fan upgrade, I might consider it over just buying another blower motor, anyways if no one has looked into the possible Econoline connection, then I might have to eventually, anyways this isn't the highest priority for me on my list, so I wish everyone luck,
-Brent
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 12
From: Northeast LA
I realize this thread is old, but I was wondering if anyone ever came up with a solution to get more air flow out the vents. Like using different/newer style squirrel cages?
My daughter took my truck yesterday and then came back telling me the A/C didn't work, I got in to check it out and sure enough the blower motor isn't coming on at all, at any setting. It had been howling somewhat on the higher settings sometimes, not all the time. But now, I got nothing. I knew I was eventually going to have to replace the blower motor due to the howling/squeaking, so replacing it with an upgrade that will move more air would be great.
Thanks,
EDIT: The main issue I see with the newer style squirrel cages and motors is that the backs are sealed, not open the way ours are allowing it to suck air from the box and blow it out the vents.
My daughter took my truck yesterday and then came back telling me the A/C didn't work, I got in to check it out and sure enough the blower motor isn't coming on at all, at any setting. It had been howling somewhat on the higher settings sometimes, not all the time. But now, I got nothing. I knew I was eventually going to have to replace the blower motor due to the howling/squeaking, so replacing it with an upgrade that will move more air would be great.
Thanks,
EDIT: The main issue I see with the newer style squirrel cages and motors is that the backs are sealed, not open the way ours are allowing it to suck air from the box and blow it out the vents.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
I didn't find an upgrade, but I did change it from the engine bay instead of from the cab (with factory air). Here's the write up: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ngine-bay.html
I'd be interested to find out if anyone did find an upgrade
I'd be interested to find out if anyone did find an upgrade
New User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I just changed my heater core which was leaking on my 77 F250 , no AC.
This truck had low velocity out of the vents as well , I figured maybe the heater core was stopped or an obstruction in general.
Turned out to be the last person to change the fan wired it backwards.
The squirrel cage blades must cut the air on the outside when turning.
Mine was wired green as + .
Just an FYI for those having the air flow problem , this cured mine.
This truck had low velocity out of the vents as well , I figured maybe the heater core was stopped or an obstruction in general.
Turned out to be the last person to change the fan wired it backwards.
The squirrel cage blades must cut the air on the outside when turning.
Mine was wired green as + .
Just an FYI for those having the air flow problem , this cured mine.
New User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Few notes, old thread... I restored full flow to my 87 ranger by replacing the resistor and wiring a relay into the circuit to make sure I had a solid uninterrupted +12v to the blower motor.
WORLD of difference. Maybe it will help on some of these other rigs as well?
WORLD of difference. Maybe it will help on some of these other rigs as well?
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 566
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
I had an 85 Nissan Sentra that could really move a lot of air, but I don't know if it was because the car was small and therefore the vents were too making the velocity higher, or if the blower actually moved more air than the Ford one. I've even considered making my own with wider blades once I get my lathe set up. But it would be easier to just find a blower that can move a lot more air.
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 427
Likes: 5
From: Kennett Square Pa
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / Worst Features Of The 2025+ Ford Expedition
Brett Foote
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition
Joe Kucinski
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
New User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
I have the same issue with my 1978 F350 Crewcab. I have a new switch, but on high it barely put s aut air. If I run a wire direcy to the fan from the battery, the fan puts out great air. Did Ford put in different resisters? Are there different fans? The fanwas replaced by the previous owner.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,782
Likes: 15
From: Lower Mainland B.C.
FYI: a few trucks I have worked on this year had the wrong fuses in the fuse box for the heater, one had a 10A instead of a 30A, the others had 20A instead of 30A, I put the proper fuse in and the blower moves a great deal more air!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 5
From: Tucson
Never thought about replacing the resistor pack. I suppose they wear out in time too...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 5
From: Tucson
Update
I finally got my truck running and tested the AC out. Like I mentioned in the previous post, I upgraded the power to the HVAC system via a dedicated 6 AWG feed from the battery, 50A circuit breaker, 70A relay. I am not kidding, at full tilt the interior of the Bronco is like a tornado with all that airflow. The AC blows nice and cold even in my truck which has no carpet or insulation. I did not replace the blower motor resistor pack, just updated all the wiring and cleaned out my stock evaporator housing, fixed some seals that were dilapidated, etc. Tornado.
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Relay wiring
Shaker 666, I've got the wire, relay, and fuse block to make this upgrade. My only question is where does the "Switch Ground" wire connect? Thanks for any help you can give me. Jim
Upgraded my wiring harness using the AAW kit ('79 Bronco). The AAW AC/heater circuit is only rated at 30A, where it's 35A from Ford. This prompted me to do what you did, with a relay. I've got a 70A relay being fed power directly from the battery via 6 AWG wire and delivered via a 50A circuit breaker. Definitely hoping it will help.
Never thought about replacing the resistor pack. I suppose they wear out in time too...
Never thought about replacing the resistor pack. I suppose they wear out in time too...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 5
From: Tucson