1986 Ford Ranger AC compressor model

[Chazg]

Hello I have been unable to pin point what model this ac compressor is for my truck any help would be appreciated

I have a 1986 Ford Ranger with the 2.9L in the XL package

 

[55trucker]

To me personally what you have looks like something that has been *jury-rigged* together. No factory a/c system that I've worked on makes use of worm gear hose clamps on either the discharge or suction side hoses. They both should have crimped on fittings at the ends & the ends should either aluminum or steel. Even back in '85 compressors were aluminum.
What you should have is this.........

 

[Chazg]

That is the problem I am having my compressor went out and it seems like a aftermarket kit of some kind so I am not sure how to replace it. Thanks for the input

 

[55trucker]

That compressor looks somewhat similar to an old Harrison R4, but Harrison was a supplier for GM products.
Think that if you want your a/c running properly you're going to be spending some money to correct all that isn't correct.

 

[Chazg]

Yeah some components look interesting for the ac system…lol

what do you guys think about sending off the compressor to get rebuilt? until it went out the system was very cold, so if I can get a compressor for my exact setup running, wouldn’t need to look at the rest of the system(hopefully)

Worst case what system and company would you use to buy a new ac system for the truck?

Thanks

 

[55trucker]

Visteon was Ford's subsidiary who manufactured their compressors. One can still purchase from them thru their online distributors websites. There are other third party rebuilders as well. Have a look at what Rockauto is offering for their compressor lineup & the proper a/c hoses as well.

Visteon Parts - Aftermarket & OEM Replacements - Buy Auto Parts

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[RobbieD]

Looks like you have mainly old aftermarket components, but the evaporator housing appears original for factory-equipped AC.

That compressor is really odd. As mentioned, it looks like an older GM "pancake" style.

I'm sorry but I don't think you're going to be able to make a cheap or easy fix on this AC system as it sits. It'll be tough, maybe impossible, to find an exactly-the-same replacement compressor. Changing to a different style compressor would be complicated by having to put together a proper mount and drive, which are the parts and brackets that fit that particular compressor to your 2.9 engine. If your toasted compressor is rebuildable, and if you can find a place to do it, that may be an option, but it's still a crapshoot and money spent.

Another issue will be the refrigerant charge. I suspect the system may have had R12 in it (the drier is dated "AUG 21 1988").

 

[Chazg]

What do you guys think about buying a junk truck to pull all the components from? And what years are these trucks the same from( I have a 1986 more year)

 

[RobbieD]

Usually buying all new components is the most dependable and cost effective route. Especially if you're faced with converting R12 to 134a. You may need a junkyard donor for the mount and drive parts.

 

[Uncle Gump]

What do the controls in the cab look like? Are they aftermarket too of factory?

 

[55trucker]

What do you guys think about buying a junk truck to pull all the components from? And what years are these trucks the same from( I have a 1986 more year)

Everything one purchases today in the manner of replacement a/c parts are designed for 134a. All of the flexible hoses will have liners inside them to prevent *134a seepage*. Old R12 hoses did not have this design structure as R12 wouldn't seep thru the material. So if you pick old R12 hoses & try to use them in a 134 environment you more than likely will suffer this. If you do not want to convert to 134a (meaning the system still has mineral oil in it) you could choose an R12 substitute for the refrigerant.

 

[RobbieD]

What do the controls in the cab look like? Are they aftermarket too of factory?

Based on the evaporator housing, I'm guessing that the truck had factory air originally, and then had an older repair done using a lot of aftermarket parts.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Based on the evaporator housing, I'm guessing that the truck had factory air originally, and then had an older repair done using a lot of aftermarket parts.

And you could very well be right...

But I "dealer installed" a few A/C systems (albeit GM and AMC) and that wasn't the case.

I find it hard the believe someone did all that work to install the aftermarket stuff instead of just fixing the factory system.

 

[Chazg]

Looks factory controls I believe, the components look like a dealer/aftermarket install for the previous owner of the car, I appreciate all the input from people seems like I have a little work ahead of me to get the ac blowing cold again

 

[RobbieD]

I find it hard the believe someone did all that work to install the aftermarket stuff instead of just fixing the factory system.

Never underestimate Bubba.