4.0 AC on 2.9. Will it work?

[K_grams94]

We have just picked up a 1989 ranger with a 2.9 and it has never had AC before. We have access to an early ford explorer that has everything. My question is, will everything swap over from that explorer? I know we will need to strip everything related to the AC is there any hurdles to making it work? I am new on the forum and did not see any threads with much help. Thanks in advance.

 

[adsm08]

Everything should be more or less correct. I think the compressor body will work, but since the 2.9 was always V-belt and the 4.0 was always serp belt you will need to get the correct clutch and pulley assembly and you will need to get the pulley piece that bolts on to the front of the crank pulley for the 2.9.

You also need the fan shroud and the correct climate control head.

 

[4x4junkie]

The 2.9L and 4.0L use different compressors (FS-6 and FS-10, respectively) which most likely means different mounting brackets also. The hoses to & from are also very different.

However I believe the rest of the system (evap & condenser coils, evap/blower housing, A/C controls, etc.) is all the same between the two.

 

[70bronc]

I am the one working on the ranger. I work in a fab shop running cnc cutting machines and also have access to press brake benders, shears, and punches. I can make brackets to modify. will the hoses work at all? can the serp drive come off of the 4.0 comp and swap on a 2.9 clutch? are the fittings the same between the 4.0 and 2.9 comps

 

[4x4junkie]

The fittings should be the same at the accumulator outlet and at the condenser inlet (where the hoses would attach). I guess if you were to make a custom bracket to mount the FS-10 to a 2.9L you could get everything to work... Only thing might be getting a 4.0L A/C hose to clear around the 2.9's intake & upper rad hose where it goes onto the t-stat housing, since there are also some sizable differences there too (2.9L A/C hoses will not fit the FS-10 comp).

Can't tell you about swapping the pulley & clutch over, as I haven't looked into that myself (I would guess it's more likely you can than can't).

IMO, I still think it'd be a lot easier to just scrounge up a FS-6 comp and it's bracket for a 2.9L. It would save a lot of time & hassle, as everything would then bolt up like it's supposed to.