Just wondering if there is writeup somewhere. Also, what are the pros and cons of going this route(other than losing A/C). I searched but didn't find any info on it.

Thanks

 

I moved this over to the 4wheeling board cause I figured you'd get more responses.

A/C is one of the fastest ways to get air. You'll fill up tires in no time and with a small tank you can run air tools and set a bead. If I didn't like my cold air so much, I'd do it.

 

I'm thinking of moving to a colder climate just to do this mod.

 

an interesting idea would be some way to hook up both your A/C and air lines to it... a t valve with dual shutoffs or something

 

wouldn't that be impossible running dual duty? A/C needs freon, and I don't think you want frozen tires....

 

Yeah, that'd be some pretty expensive tires you'd have there after filling them with refridgerent.

The only thing you can do is add another compressor.

 

Just FYI...

I've never heard of anyone using an AC compressor for onboard air. However, some older Cadaliacs used to come with an air ride suspension. I've heard of people using the compressor that controll the air ride for onboard air.

Search the net for writeups, I'm sure there are a few around, www.offroad.com might be a good place to start.

 

ac compressor can make a great OBA system. I converted the AC pump to OBA on another truck and it was FAST! Aired up tires faster than any electric pump I've used. Only cost me $30 or so for hoses and attachments. Of course you lose the AC, but if your AC is not cooling any more and it would cost big bucks to get cooling again (eg bad condensor), the OBA is a cool way to make it useful again.

 

So.... do I just have to run new hoses from the compressor? One with a filter for the intake, and air hoses for the output? Then I'm guessing I need to rewire the power so that it is run off a switch.... I know a couple people have done this..... come on.... what's the procedure???

 

You got it. Here's what I did:
1. Put a wire jump in the ac-pressure switch so it runs with zero pressure. I just ran it off the ac button in the dash.
2. Connect an inlet hose with filter.
3. Connect an output hose with separator and quick connect.

That's all I did. I ocassionaly put oil in the inlet to keep it lubed. I ran the air all the way through the AC system and it acted like an air tank.

Here's a pic of the hoses and connectors I used (without the filter, separator, and quick connect):

 

What about an inline filter on the output to keep oil out of the air lines? I have no idea what oil would do to the inside of tires. What is the output of the pump? cfm, psi, all the goodies? I just saw a 7.5 gallon air tank for $17, sounds like a good deal to me..... And it's pretty compact.... wonder if it might fit underneath the truck....

ahhh..... is the seperator the filter?

 

Hey there,

I haven't done this myself, but I've been really interested in it. Apparently, the york air compressors are the best because they have an oil reservoir to keep your pump from binding up, where others use the freon as a lubricant.

Here's an article, it's jeep oriented, but hopefully it will help.

http://www.huv.com/jon/jeep/Air/

I have an article in my Canadian4wd magazine from Jan/Feb 2003 which outlines building your own OBA system as well, but the tech article isn't on their site. http://www.can4wd.com

I hope that helps, and if you manage to complete it, let me know. It's something that I would like to do as well

 

I've done all the reading on the York compressors.... but I would rather not spend the money and the time retrofitting a second pump. Converting my A/C pump would be near free, and very little work. Plus, who needs A/C when you live in the Pacific Northwest? I can deal with 90 degree summers and no A/C.

 

Good question. I have no idea. I just know it was a lot faster than the ARB compressor (that's not saying much).

Yup, the separator is the oil removal device. Sorry I don't have installed pics. The whole setup was surprisingly easy to do.

 

ok i got a couple qestions to cause i realized my condeser was bad and most of my lines were split, when you take off the inlet and outlet ac hoses there pretty long, how did you attach the 1/4 npt fittings? thats the only drama i have now is figuring that out, i even conviced my dad that this was an essential saftey item that i have to do.(even though i figure it kinda is ) and second off if your planning to do this mod there is a whole kit at harbor frieght that gives you like 4 npt quick disconects a dryer a regulator i think an oiler some teflon and a blower, good little set i picked it up yesterday for about 23 bucks. i thought that was cheap, its made by cambuel husfeild (sp) anyways thanks for the info.
wade

 

Front Range sells a kit w/ everything you need for the conversion,

http://www.frontrangeoffroadfab.com/manifold.htm

 

I found the hose fittings at a hydraulics supply store. http://www.pirtekusa.com/ Then used a reducer to get it down to 1/4 npt. I made bracket to hold the outlet hose in place. I just shoved the inlet hose into a corner of the engine compartment.

 

Okay... found this
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42005

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=40456

 

I gave this a 5 star rating, because I thought that this had really valuable information on it. I might consieder this, because it's sooooo much cheaper than the other air compressors.

 

ok the second link that you posted is the parts that i have purchased, made teh conversion really simple, all my other ac parts dont work though, im going to use the stock dryer as a mini air tank till i get anought to have one made that will go by my gas tank or in my toolbox,

if anyone needs any help thats doing this e mail me and ill tell you how i did it, i have less than 40 bucks in the whole thing, i though it was worth it. the ac didnt work anywyas

waddyoungz69@yahoo.com for Q's

thanks
wade