Hey guys,
I have been doing some revamping on my 88 F-250 (300 I6) to make it a little bit better of a daily driver... That being said I want to get my Custom up to XL or XLT trim. I am wanting to add the AC from another truck that is a 89 F-250 460... Are they compatable units? I just don't know what AC units would be compatable for a straight swap to my 88. Can any one help???

 

I am assuming your truck did not come with A/C?

If so the 89 F250 A/C system will work with your 88.

But you are looking at a ton of work to swap everything over, have you ever done anything like this before?

 

Nope... Haven't done anything like this before but I am going to have the front end all tore down to replace the radiator support/frame... And the entire inside of the truck is going to be stripped for sound proofing. Not afraid of the work... I don't know what all it will entail yet but I guess I'll figure it out soon enough...

 

It will entail:

-Compressor (Unless PO replaced it, I would doubt the compressor will be any good or be good for very long.)
-mounting bracket (may not be compatible unless trucks have same engine)
-Hoses (High/Low side lines, etc. It is very possible some or all of these may be bad from age)
-Condenser (Thing that sits infront of the radiator). It is very possible the donor truck's will be bad. rock strike, corrosion etc.
-Accumulator/Dryer (This needs to be replaced, it is filled with a desiccant agent to keep moisture out of the system)
-Evaporator Core (Also the big black plastic box it sits in) Its on the pass side of the truck on the fire wall and runs through to under the dash. this will also contain the heater core. You will need to swap this entire unit. also will be a vaccum line or two that runs the recirc option and blend door.
-Control unit(This is the unit in the dash that has the controls for the HVAC. You will need to swap this entire unit from the donor truck. There will be an electrical plug and several vaccum lines. this may be the hardest part as I dont remember how the non AC trucks are wired.

This is a general idea of what your in-store for. I'm sure I left out some details like: the pressure switches, cycling switch, new serp belt. etc.

As another route, you may want to consider an aftermarket kit, like the ones they sell for hot rods. I think Vintage Air is the name of a company that sells a complete drop in AC conversion kit. They are not cheap, but by the time you buy a new compressor, accumulator, a couple of hoses and maybe a condenser you'll be well on your way to the cost of a kit unit.