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Installing AC in a non AC 1st gen ranger? Have a 302/c4 swap


09Stang

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302
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Automatic
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Hi everyone, I thought I may post on here since I can't find any real in depth knowledge on this subject.

My dad and I built an 83 ranger into a race truck. It's got a stock 302 from blueprint, a non AC CVF serpentine kit (with power steering). It has a street built C4 auto from TCI.

My dad and I have been wanting to do an air conditioning swap in it with as little headache as possible. Truck has no radio from the factory or ac from the factory. Any tips or knowledge on how to install this would be great! Any cooling upgrades needed as well would also be appreciated if required
 


19Walt93

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3"
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235/55R16
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If you don't have time to do it right will you have time to do it over?
I used a Vintage Air heat, a/c, defrost system on my 93 because it had no heater box at all. It cools and heats OK but the defroster isn't great because it uses only recirculated air. If you have a factory heater box, I'd get one of their kits with the evaporator that hangs under the dash like a 60's Mustang. That way you'll still have an effective defroster and the installation will be easier. I used fox Mustang front drive brackets and pulleys with the Ford Performance 351 front bracket but I found out afterwards that Vintage has a decent looking compressor bracket, too.
evap in place.JPG
eng bay in process.JPG
 

dvdswan

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Welcome to the site.
 

svtcards

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3'' front 4''back
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245 35 18
I used a Vintage Air heat, a/c, defrost system on my 93 because it had no heater box at all. It cools and heats OK but the defroster isn't great because it uses only recirculated air. If you have a factory heater box, I'd get one of their kits with the evaporator that hangs under the dash like a 60's Mustang. That way you'll still have an effective defroster and the installation will be easier. I used fox Mustang front drive brackets and pulleys with the Ford Performance 351 front bracket but I found out afterwards that Vintage has a decent looking compressor bracket, too.View attachment 78229View attachment 78230
What did u use for a fan and radiator?And did u make that shroud for it?
 

Uncle Gump

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Bird did this on his first gen... not saying you want to do it exactly this way but the thread has lots of useful info.
 

19Walt93

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Ford Ranger
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
351
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Drop
3"
Tire Size
235/55R16
My credo
If you don't have time to do it right will you have time to do it over?
What did u use for a fan and radiator?And did u make that shroud for it?
I used a belt driven 15" Derale flex fan, a Griffin universal radiator that I mounted inside the core support after I cut it for clearance. I built the shroud from a Summit Racing kit. Idling in traffic with the a/c on at 90 degrees, the temp gauge will go up about to the middle.
 

09Stang

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Location
Blackshear
Vehicle Year
1983
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
302
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Drop
3in
I used a Vintage Air heat, a/c, defrost system on my 93 because it had no heater box at all. It cools and heats OK but the defroster isn't great because it uses only recirculated air. If you have a factory heater box, I'd get one of their kits with the evaporator that hangs under the dash like a 60's Mustang. That way you'll still have an effective defroster and the installation will be easier. I used fox Mustang front drive brackets and pulleys with the Ford Performance 351 front bracket but I found out afterwards that Vintage has a decent looking compressor bracket, too.View attachment 78229View attachment 78230
So vintage air can supply the hanging evaporator? My heater box and core is great with heating. And can I put in the evaporator without removing the dash? Also what can be done to modify the cooling if necessary? I have an L&L products radiator with a big low profile electric fan w/o a shroud. Stock drivers side water pump as well
 

19Walt93

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Location
Canaan,NH
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
351
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Drop
3"
Tire Size
235/55R16
My credo
If you don't have time to do it right will you have time to do it over?
You should look at their website, they offer lots of choices, the underdash unit looks like this:
1656458697341.png
 

09Stang

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Engine Size
302
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Drop
3in

19Walt93

Well-Known Member
Ford Technician
V8 Engine Swap
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Nov 13, 2018
Messages
4,473
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Location
Canaan,NH
Vehicle Year
1993
Make / Model
Ford Ranger
Engine Type
V8
Engine Size
351
Transmission
Automatic
2WD / 4WD
2WD
Total Drop
3"
Tire Size
235/55R16
My credo
If you don't have time to do it right will you have time to do it over?
You're welcome. My a/c quit and I found that the front seal on my Napa reman compressor is leaking- after 2 years and about 5000 miles so I'm stripping down the compressor I got with the brackets, planning to reseal it and install it. I figure I'm better off rebuilding a Ford part than trusting another dubious reman.
 

Eddo Rogue

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4WD
Total Lift
skyjacker front leveling kit
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31-10.50R15
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You're welcome. My a/c quit and I found that the front seal on my Napa reman compressor is leaking- after 2 years and about 5000 miles so I'm stripping down the compressor I got with the brackets, planning to reseal it and install it. I figure I'm better off rebuilding a Ford part than trusting another dubious reman.
Good idea. I had been replacing compressors about once a year because the only thing I could find was cheapos from autozone. Finally got a decent one online and it seems to be holding up.
 

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