Need help with AC portion of my V8 swap

[JoshT]

Hey, need some help form the AC gurus around here. I have an 86 Ranger into which I am installing the 5.0 from a 98 Explorer. I think (hope) I can figure out the wiring portion of this. In my mind the only thing that should change in the wiring is possibly the connector for the A/C Compressor. Where I am really needing help is with the rest of the system. I'll be using the Explorer's Compressor and need to attach it to the Ranger's AC system.

My thoughts as follows, and all of this based on parts listing in LMC Truck, and various parts chains. 1983-1994 AC systems are largely unchanged with the exception of the compressor, and the lines. The same compressor was used on 4.0L Rangers and Explorers from 90 till the end of Ranger production. The hoses changed in 90 to accommodate the new compressor, went to went to hose assembly with block type connection instead of two individual hoses with screw on fitting (accumulator end stayed same). The 98 Ranger and Explorer 4.0L still have the same compressor. I think it unlikely that the 98 5.0L used much different hoses than the 4.0L. So I should be able to get away with swapping the hoses to the 90-94 4.0L style to be able to connect to the V8 Compressor.



Lets assume that all I have of the 86's factory AC is the Heater Box, Evaporator core, Controls, and wiring (labeled in a box with the rest of the truck's harness). I think what I need is:

• 5.0L compressor (donor Explorer is good)
• 90-94 Style Ranger 4.0L Hose Assembly
• Any year Receiver/Dryer
• Any year Liquid Line
• 90-94 Condenser
• Variable Orifice Valve
• O-Ring Set
• R134a conversion kit

Any thoughts on this? I'm planning to drive the truck year round so I'm definitely keeping A/C in the truck. I am more than willing to sacrifice the power for comfort, hell going from a 2.8 to a 5.0 I don't think I'll even notice it. I am getting ready to buy the rest of my engine swap parts and would like to go ahead and get the AC working at the same time. I'm ready to get this truck on the road, once the wiring and engine swap is over it's just little stuff like brakes, a floor shifter, and the AC system holding it up.

 

[Tominator]

Sounds like a good list, and kudos for keeping the AC!

 

[exbass94]

5.0s use a different compressor from 4.0s. If you get an accumulator and hose assembly from a 94+ truck, you won't need the R134a conversion kit.

 

[JoshT]

I am aware that it wouldn't be the exact same compressor, but wandering if it might be the same FS10 style compressor. Thinking that maybe they share the same style hose connection at the compressor. I may have also found an adapter block so I can connect the older style o-ring fitting hoses to the Explorer compressor.