Project Restoration 1986 Ford F-150 5.0L 4X4
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,155
Likes: 1,167
You can try a new switch for giggles, but I don’t believe that’s the problem.
For reasons still unknown, the compressor can’t pull the low side pressure down low enough. The switch is responding as designed, commanding the compressor to continue running. The poor switch has no clue the pressure is not getting properly pulled down.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 147
Likes: 17
From: Spartanburg, SC
You can try a new switch for giggles, but I don’t believe that’s the problem.
For reasons still unknown, the compressor can’t pull the low side pressure down low enough. The switch is responding as designed, commanding the compressor to continue running. The poor switch has no clue the pressure is not getting properly pulled down.
For reasons still unknown, the compressor can’t pull the low side pressure down low enough. The switch is responding as designed, commanding the compressor to continue running. The poor switch has no clue the pressure is not getting properly pulled down.
Before the compressor start low side is around let's say 100PSI depending on ambient temp, then my pressure goes under 20 PSI should the switch cut off the clutch as this point ? As I was filling the system with r134a low side pressure would go up to 30-35 psi and then when I stop feeding it r134 it would drop back to under 20PSI, the switch never cut off.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,155
Likes: 1,167
This is not to be construed as me being the W word*, but merely less correct than usual.
*If this unlikely event were to ever happen, I cannot be held responsible for any consequences, such as the Earth lurching from its axis and ensuing earthquakes, famine, etc.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 147
Likes: 17
From: Spartanburg, SC
No worry it happened to the best of us 
, old switch was either bad or not set correctly, new switch now is cutting off around 25 PSI.
Compressor is short cycling, it's on maybe 1 or 2s before switch cut off, max a/c blower on hi.
EDIT : I set the low side cut off at 20PSI, based on what was recommended online for R134A, here's a video of the gauges.
Static pressure is at 93psi for 80F, should be 86-87psi which would indicate it's slightly overcharge but not by a lot.
Condenser or evaporator must have a blockage. Will troubleshoot tomorrow using this https://restomodair.com/blockages-in...ystem-circuit/
Bonus picture from my local junk yard today, they have cool stuff. I found a under hood light and cleaned it and installed it on my truck, doesn't light up but at least it's there for now
, old switch was either bad or not set correctly, new switch now is cutting off around 25 PSI.Compressor is short cycling, it's on maybe 1 or 2s before switch cut off, max a/c blower on hi.
EDIT : I set the low side cut off at 20PSI, based on what was recommended online for R134A, here's a video of the gauges.
Static pressure is at 93psi for 80F, should be 86-87psi which would indicate it's slightly overcharge but not by a lot.
Condenser or evaporator must have a blockage. Will troubleshoot tomorrow using this https://restomodair.com/blockages-in...ystem-circuit/
Bonus picture from my local junk yard today, they have cool stuff. I found a under hood light and cleaned it and installed it on my truck, doesn't light up but at least it's there for now
Last edited by Sylvain C; Mar 6, 2026 at 05:10 PM.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 147
Likes: 17
From: Spartanburg, SC
While the a/c issue is in stand by, I'm working on the front end of the truck. I was planning on doing it later but when I had my new tires installed, the shop said they could not perform the alignment because a bunch of steering and suspension parts need to be replaced.
I ordered most of the parts already but I have one question. Do I need to replace the camber caster sleeve since I have bigger tires (31x10.5x15) ?
I ordered most of the parts already but I have one question. Do I need to replace the camber caster sleeve since I have bigger tires (31x10.5x15) ?
Last edited by Sylvain C; Mar 9, 2026 at 08:35 PM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,046
Likes: 164
From: Central Texas
Unless you have lifted the truck, or otherwise modified the suspension, (I didn't read this whole post), you will not need to change anything. The real question is whether those tires will fit without rubbing issues. I'd say no since they are not much bigger than factory size.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 147
Likes: 17
From: Spartanburg, SC
Unless you have lifted the truck, or otherwise modified the suspension, (I didn't read this whole post), you will not need to change anything. The real question is whether those tires will fit without rubbing issues. I'd say no since they are not much bigger than factory size.
I'm disassembling my front suspension and axle DANA44. The axle shaft on driver side pulls out but the passenger side is stuck. There is a dust boot on the middle of the shaft (outer shaft) is there a retainer clip in there ? From what I read the inner shaft out of the differential will not pull out without removing a clip inside...
The vent was plugged
Last edited by Sylvain C; Mar 14, 2026 at 06:15 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 1,154
From: Tolland, CT
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 147
Likes: 17
From: Spartanburg, SC
Does this help,
https://www.garysgaragemahal.com/axl...erentials.html
https://www.garysgaragemahal.com/axl...erentials.html
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 147
Likes: 17
From: Spartanburg, SC
Yes and I watched youtube videos about dana 44 but I can't find one who show this part. I'll find out tomorrow.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 147
Likes: 17
From: Spartanburg, SC
Found it! Well the algorithm found me.
at 7:40min, no clip the boot itself is retaining the shaft.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 147
Likes: 17
From: Spartanburg, SC
I'm trying to remove my oil pan (5.0L engine), while I have the entire front suspension removed from the truck. I removed the oil pump bolts and the distributor but the oil pump/pickup tube assembly is still hanging on a rod from the distributor I think. Any advice on how to get it loose ? I don't want to use force and break something.
