Adding A/C with an engine from a different year

[Tarmijo94]

Hey everyone,

Over the past few weeks I've started entertaining the idea of adding in AC to my jeep that did not have it before, and have a few questions.

Because nothing can be too easy, I have a 97 sport, but the engine is a '04 4.0.

My two main issues I'm hung up on:

1) Obviously the later model blocks mounted the compressor and alternator in different locations, so i think that would mean that i need the actual AC lines from the 04, but once I get to the drier, is the cabin side all the same (all the junk behind the dash)

2) This may be the bigger issue. I know there are a few plugs from the vehicle harness to different points of the AC system. I want to say i read somewhere that not all 97s even came with all the wires necessary in order to speed up production. Would it be incredibly obvious if these connectors are present or not? And if they are present, whats the best way to get the 97 plugs to line up to the 04 system (with the compressor being on the other side of the block and all)?

Thanks everyone!

P.S. my engineering exam went well. Wont get results back til late June. But I'm still pissed I'm not in Utah with y'all, hope everyone is having fun!

 

[TheBoogieman]

Texas to Utah? That's like Stone Cold Steve Austin giving up beer and sex. Good luck with that decision.

 

[Tarmijo94]

You live in TX with no AC? Is Satin your father? Check out Jeepair.com to answer any questions.
p.s. Is anyone living in Utah really happy?

I was told no AC would make me more manly. After a few years I'm figuring out that all its making me is HOT. The trick is keep moving, and its not too bad. But slow down (or ride a trail), you're gonna have a bad time. I've been on their site, planning on giving them a call to ask some questions

 

[Tarmijo94]

Texas to Utah? That's like Stone Cold Steve Austin giving up beer and sex. Good luck with that decision.

Not for good. Just the week that everyone was meeting in Moab. My test was the day before, and it wasnt feasible planning it out this time around.

 

[Irun]

Build your own custom lines. It's similar to doing brake lines.

https://www.eastwood.com/mastercool-ac-hose-crimp-set-71550.html

 

[RichStep]

You could always go with plan B, but only recommended for those with 4 doors for obvious reasons. Don't forget the mirror extension either.

 

[Tarmijo94]

Don't forget the mirror extension either.

Honestly surprised that person even put the effort in to do that!

 

[glowell222]

Hey everyone,

Over the past few weeks I've started entertaining the idea of adding in AC to my jeep that did not have it before, and have a few questions.

Because nothing can be too easy, I have a 97 sport, but the engine is a '04 4.0.

My two main issues I'm hung up on:

1) Obviously the later model blocks mounted the compressor and alternator in different locations, so i think that would mean that i need the actual AC lines from the 04, but once I get to the drier, is the cabin side all the same (all the junk behind the dash)

2) This may be the bigger issue. I know there are a few plugs from the vehicle harness to different points of the AC system. I want to say i read somewhere that not all 97s even came with all the wires necessary in order to speed up production. Would it be incredibly obvious if these connectors are present or not? And if they are present, whats the best way to get the 97 plugs to line up to the 04 system (with the compressor being on the other side of the block and all)?

Thanks everyone!

P.S. my engineering exam went well. Wont get results back til late June. But I'm still pissed I'm not in Utah with y'all, hope everyone is having fun!

First thing is to validate that you have the correct wiring harness connections. If you don't have them, it's not a difficult thing to add them apart from the OEM wiring harness. You will need to take the dash apart anyway. I would also suggest to call the guys at Jeepair.com and get their input on the wiring and vacuum requirements behind the dash.

For the compressor and hoses, Irun is correct in that you can build your own hoses. You can also have them professionally built, and I strongly recommend this route, as those hoses are more likely to be leak-free, and the hoses you build yourself are more likely to leak. They are a bit more expensive, but it's not a deal killer.

 

[Tarmijo94]

Alright, so I didn’t get off work in time to call in to jeep air, but I’ve taken some time to peek around the engine bay. I have three plugs on the passenger side of the block that are currently free.
Two plugs have 2 pins and wires, One plug with a single wire.
One of the 2 pin plugs is up near the alternator (I assume this is for the compressor). The other is near the fire wall (I assume this is for the drier). I don’t know if those two are all I need or if the 3rd is important.
Obviously this is without tearing into the dash, so I don’t know the whole vacuum line situation, but I believe these plugs under the hood are promising.
However this does confirm my thought the the wiring will have to be modified, since the compressor on my block would need to be installed under the PS pump on the driver side of the engine.

 

[glowell222]

Alright, so I didn’t get off work in time to call in to jeep air, but I’ve taken some time to peek around the engine bay. I have three plugs on the passenger side of the block that are currently free.
Two plugs have 2 pins and wires, One plug with a single wire.
One of the 2 pin plugs is up near the alternator (I assume this is for the compressor). The other is near the fire wall (I assume this is for the drier). I don’t know if those two are all I need or if the 3rd is important.
Obviously this is without tearing into the dash, so I don’t know the whole vacuum line situation, but I believe these plugs under the hood are promising.
However this does confirm my thought the the wiring will have to be modified, since the compressor on my block would need to be installed under the PS pump on the driver side of the engine.

If you can provide a few pics we can do a comparison. I have a '98, so likely we will be very similar. Need pics of the connector shape and where it is. I will post comparison pics so you can get a feel.

 

[mrblaine]

First thing is to validate that you have the correct wiring harness connections. If you don't have them, it's not a difficult thing to add them apart from the OEM wiring harness. You will need to take the dash apart anyway. I would also suggest to call the guys at Jeepair.com and get their input on the wiring and vacuum requirements behind the dash.

For the compressor and hoses, Irun is correct in that you can build your own hoses. You can also have them professionally built, and I strongly recommend this route, as those hoses are more likely to be leak-free, and the hoses you build yourself are more likely to leak. They are a bit more expensive, but it's not a deal killer.

I don't know that it is possible to mount the AC compressor any other place on his 04 motor without redoing the entire accessory drive. If I was doing it, I'd get the 04 compressor and mount and bolt that right into the stock 04 location. Then I would use the OEM AC lines from it to the rest of the system. The only thing that may have to be modified slightly or adapted is the condenser. Some 97's have a difference.

Keep it all 04 over to the drier as well.

I'm pretty handy making stuff like lines and whatnot, I wouldn't even begin to try and hunt down the fittings and barrier hose for making AC lines when I can buy them off the shelf.

 

[glowell222]

I don't know that it is possible to mount the AC compressor any other place on his 04 motor without redoing the entire accessory drive. If I was doing it, I'd get the 04 compressor and mount and bolt that right into the stock 04 location. Then I would use the OEM AC lines from it to the rest of the system. The only thing that may have to be modified slightly or adapted is the condenser. Some 97's have a difference.

Keep it all 04 over to the drier as well.

I'm pretty handy making stuff like lines and whatnot, I wouldn't even begin to try and hunt down the fittings and barrier hose for making AC lines when I can buy them off the shelf.

Thanks-that is excellent advice.

 

[CharlesHS]

Alright, so I didn’t get off work in time to call in to jeep air, but I’ve taken some time to peek around the engine bay. I have three plugs on the passenger side of the block that are currently free.
Two plugs have 2 pins and wires, One plug with a single wire.
One of the 2 pin plugs is up near the alternator (I assume this is for the compressor). The other is near the fire wall (I assume this is for the drier). I don’t know if those two are all I need or if the 3rd is important.
Obviously this is without tearing into the dash, so I don’t know the whole vacuum line situation, but I believe these plugs under the hood are promising.
However this does confirm my thought the the wiring will have to be modified, since the compressor on my block would need to be installed under the PS pump on the driver side of the engine.

In the engine compartment there will be a two wire harness going to the low temperature/pressure cutout that is screwed into the refrigerant drier, there is a two wire harness going to the hi pressure cutout that is screwed into the refrigerant line near the front of the intake manifold and one wire lead that goes to the compressor clutch.

 

[mrblaine]

Thanks-that is excellent advice.

I'm still trying to figure out how them home brew AC lines wind up with the charging ports and orifice?

 

[glowell222]

I'm still trying to figure out how them home brew AC lines wind up with the charging ports and orifice?

I have no idea on that. I always believed that the orifice was not part of the line itself but is installed between the line and the evaporator coil. For the charging ports, I have one on the vapor line right on the body of the compressor, and the port on the liquid line is actually part of the hard line-the soft line is attached to that hard line.

 

[mrblaine]

I have no idea on that. I always believed that the orifice was not part of the line itself but is installed between the line and the evaporator coil. For the charging ports, I have one on the vapor line right on the body of the compressor, and the port on the liquid line is actually part of the hard line-the soft line is attached to that hard line.

I know where the charging ports are. I just want to know how you are going to add them when you're cutting and flaring the lines with the Mastercool tool.

When we have had the OEM AC lines modified, the AC shop has told me to be very careful with them since the orifice is in one of them close to the drier. I don't know for sure, that's why I have them do it.

 

[Tarmijo94]

Based on the above, it sounds like I might have the plugs needed. I’ll have to take a picture on Monday. Headed to the beach for the weekend.
Also seems like the best bet is getting an 04 kit, and just extending the leads that need to be near the compressor. I think that’s what I’m reading

 

[mrblaine]

Based on the above, it sounds like I might have the plugs needed. I’ll have to take a picture on Monday. Headed to the beach for the weekend.
Also seems like the best bet is getting an 04 kit, and just extending the leads that need to be near the compressor. I think that’s what I’m reading

That's how I would do it.