AC install (TJ)

[mingez]

AC install. Came without one. Anyone know of a write up? How involved is this. Any info helpful.

 

[Sparky-Watts]

Awwww, is Mr. Precious starting to get a rash from perspiring?

 

[southtj]

I think what Sparky meant to say was, "Golly Mingez, I have no experience in that department. As always, good luck in your endeavors."

And I will second that. 8)

 

[mingez]

Blah blah blah I knew I'd get some flack for this, but I use my XJ for off roading, and the TJ (while it does get off road quite a bit) is saved for the milder trails, and getting around the city.

Remember, I drove the TJ around in Las Cruces NM with NO AC!!! 115 degrees at times. I'm just ready to have atleast one vehicle with some creature comforts. (Also, I don't have a garage here in Denver, so I can't just jet home when the rain clouds come, so taking off the hardtop isn't necessarily an option.)

Hey Sparky, when you get around to lifting your YJ, you can chime in about my AC! Until then, stick to the stock YJ forums. urple: urple:

What's that? Your YJ IS lifted? Hmmm... didn't realize that.

 

[jay79cj7]

I recently had to replace my evaporator in my 00 XJ, so I know enough about the system to help you decide how much work would go into it. Inside the vehicle you would have to take your steering column out and take your dash out to get to the air box. This was a big job. At that point, I assume it would be the same box as an AC model, just missing the evaporator part. If not, I guess you would have to get a junkyard box. A new evap from the dealer costs $400, but you can find aftermarket for a little over $100. I personally wouldn't want to put in a used evap because it is so much work to get to if its bad or goes bad. The evap has an inlet and outlet that goes through the firewall just like the heater core. I'd assume you'd need a new control box for the AC upgrade too.
Under the hood shouldn't be too bad because everything is pretty accessable. You would need to study another TJ, get the parts and put them in. A junkyard condenser might be worthwhile over a new one since its much easier to get to than an evap.
You can get a vacuum pump just for this from Harbor Freight for about $15. It runs off an air compressor and draws the necessary vacuum on your system before you charge it. The same place sells the manifold to charge the system with the high and low side gauges for about $60.
J

 

[TwistedCU]

115 degrees?!?!?!

I'd not only have A/c, but probably run a hardtop so it was more efficient :lol:

I couldn't live there... that's just too stinkin' hot for my blood.

 

[Sparky-Watts]

I recently had to replace my evaporator in my 00 XJ, so I know enough about the system to help you decide how much work would go into it. Inside the vehicle you would have to take your steering column out and take your dash out to get to the air box. This was a big job. At that point, I assume it would be the same box as an AC model, just missing the evaporator part. If not, I guess you would have to get a junkyard box. A new evap from the dealer costs $400, but you can find aftermarket for a little over $100. I personally wouldn't want to put in a used evap because it is so much work to get to if its bad or goes bad. The evap has an inlet and outlet that goes through the firewall just like the heater core. I'd assume you'd need a new control box for the AC upgrade too.
Under the hood shouldn't be too bad because everything is pretty accessable. You would need to study another TJ, get the parts and put them in. A junkyard condenser might be worthwhile over a new one since its much easier to get to than an evap.
You can get a vacuum pump just for this from Harbor Freight for about $15. It runs off an air compressor and draws the necessary vacuum on your system before you charge it. The same place sells the manifold to charge the system with the high and low side gauges for about $60.
J

Sounds like a piece of cake....so, Mingez, you'll have this done by this evening when I get home, right?:lol: