Anyone install the complete JeepAir kit?

[TRevs]

I'm thinking about making the YJ more of a daily driver, but if I do, I'll have to get A/C and probably a proper top instead of just the bikini.

The JeepAir kit looks quite good and the install looks manageable; can anyone comment on their overall satisfaction? it seems that since it is a one-wire set up the ECU won't bump the idle speed when the compressor is on; is that a problem? How much cooling can you get on a 100 degree humid Texas day?

 

[machoheadgames]

There aren’t a whole lot of YJ guys who have ponied up the dollars for that kit, although over the years I have seen a few. Mostly on Facebook. Of those who have done it, the vast majority seemed to like it.

Your understanding of the power is correct. It just uses a direct hook up to the fuse panel using an ignition power slot. As such, the compressor will cycle based on the high/low pressure switch only and the engine will possibly idle lower as a result when the compressor does run. The factory installed AC ran the unit through the PCM which is why the unused drier plug, compressor power hookup, and a connector under the dash exist.

Nostalgic air parts seems to sell a kit that would plug straight into the under dash connector, and then you’d just need to plug a relay into the PDC and plug in the compressor and drier plugs. That is all untested, and just in theory, but it should work. I don’t plan to put AC back in mine at this point but if I did, I’d probably try the nostalgic route. Only because I’d be convinced in my head that having the pcm control the AC would be superior to hooking it up straight to a fuse box. I’m sure the fuse box would be just fine though.

One thing I can say from experience is the AC unit under the dash will block a lot of access to other stuff, so just be aware of that. Luckily it’s pretty easy to drop the AC to the floor so you can work on the heater or whatever else. With the AC bolted in place you won’t hardly be able to get to anything.

 

[TRevs]

Thanks for the insight; I’ll look into the nostalgic version.

I’m beginning the second summer of running the YJ with a bikini top and no doors, but the road noise and heat are getting unpleasant for commuting. Plus I can’t always park in the garage, so it can get rained on by a surprise shower like we had at 2:30 am last night.

It’s not cheap, but I may have to bite the bullet and get a full top and A/C.

That raises the question of hard top vs soft top, which may become another thread

 

[machoheadgames]

I was a bit tired when I wrote what I did last night. I should have elaborated more. Here is the link to the Nostalgic kit:

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You can see in this photo (below) that this specific kit gives you an evaporator that plugs straight into the connector under the dash. The connector under the dash is by the steering column support bracket, it is C213. It contains blower motor power, battery power, ground, and AC signal wires from the relay and drier switch connectors.

It says for 2.5L engine only in the diagram, but I really don't think that is correct.



Now, the part I'm unsure about is the text in red on the webpage and the photos it references. I for sure in my 94 4.0L do not have the oval connector. That might truly be a 2.5L thing. However, I don't see why you would need that. The wiring for the system runs from the connector under the dash, and ties into the PCM, PDC, compressor and drier. Those are already connected as needed by default. In my mind, you *should* be able to plug in the evaporator to get the blower motor power and control the relay, and then just install the relay, drier, compressor. Plug them all in and charge the system and it *should* just work. I have traced the circuits before and everything I needed, was there. So no clue what the oval plug is for, but my research determined it was not necessary on a 4.0L.

You can see from the photo above also that it has the added harness coiled up. It has the oval plug, a relay, the compressor and drier connectors. This is exactly why I think none of this is necessary on a 4.0L.....At least in the later years, those connectors already exist in stock form and are just dangling. They are all connected properly in stock form, so i think this harness is completely unnecessary and like I said, everything should be plug and play simply by plugging in the evaporator under the dash and then the compressor, relay, and drier to their respective stock plugs.

As for the tops and AC or not, I get it. Mine lives in the garage. I plan to only drive it when the temps are nice AND there is no rain at all in the forecast. Installing carpet means that I really can not having it get wet in there, that is what ruined the last carpet and made it smell awful. I'll elaborate more on the tops if you start a top thread, but after having both, I'm not a huge fan of either. I probably lean hardtop but you need ways to hoist it and store it, otherwise you're stuck with it. Lifting it off with people and carrying it to a location sucks. Soft tops are okay but I really wasn't a fan of the Bestop supertop for full doors that I had. It didn't fit very well.

 

[Plastic Fury]

One thing I can say from experience is the AC unit under the dash will block a lot of access to other stuff, so just be aware of that. Luckily it’s pretty easy to drop the AC to the floor so you can work on the heater or whatever else. With the AC bolted in place you won’t hardly be able to get to anything.

It's funny, my Sahara had working a/c when I bought it. When I started tearing it down, I was annoyed at the lack of access under the dash so I wound up removing the entire system from the Jeep lol. I don't even own a full top for it so I figured, not gonna do me much good anyway, so I yanked it all. I kept it all just on the off chance I ever decide I want to reinstall it.

 

[machoheadgames]

It's funny, my Sahara had working a/c when I bought it. When I started tearing it down, I was annoyed at the lack of access under the dash so I wound up removing the entire system from the Jeep lol. I don't even own a full top for it so I figured, not gonna do me much good anyway, so I yanked it all. I kept it all just on the off chance I ever decide I want to reinstall it.

Yeah, mine had it as well although it was not stock, it was a Frankenstein kit from I’m not sure where, and it didn’t work. After being charged it was back to warm in about half a day, and when you started the engine, if you had the AC on it would screech the belt for a bit. If you started it with AC off and then turned on the AC, it was fine. Since it blew warm I left it off. Then one day 8 months later I was cruising along and got a horrible screeching. Compressor locked up (even though it wasn’t on). Got the bypass belt. Then 8 years later I yanked it all after being tired of it being in the way.

I doubt I’ll ever add it back since I don’t plan to drive with doors or top anymore. With doors and top on I just find it not an enjoyable vehicle to drive. If I’m going to be closed in I may as well be in my truck where it’s comfortable.

But I can get the appeal for others adding it. It definitely gets in the way a lot though.

 

[TRevs]

I’m torn which direction to go. I like the jeep as it is, but it’s not great as a daily driver. Since I got a sports car in January my wife wants me to get rid of either my old civic or the YJ. It’s like having to choose between losing an arm or a leg!

 

[Plastic Fury]

I doubt I’ll ever add it back since I don’t plan to drive with doors or top anymore. With doors and top on I just find it not an enjoyable vehicle to drive. If I’m going to be closed in I may as well be in my truck where it’s comfortable.

Yup, that is my attitude. I'll hang on to the parts since my Sahara came with it from the factory but I have no intention of using it. I don't plan to own a full top. I have a nice comfortable Honda Accord for the daily duties and the Jeep is for fun. Sits in the garage until I want to drive it, so having A/C with it, even here in FL is not a concern for me. I've had it out on 90+* days and still found it comfortable to drive with the half hard top.

 

[Plastic Fury]

I’m torn which direction to go. I like the jeep as it is, but it’s not great as a daily driver. Since I got a sports car in January my wife wants me to get rid of either my old civic or the YJ. It’s like having to choose between losing an arm or a leg!

Thats a tough one. It would be hard for me to let go of the Jeep, its just too enjoyable to drive. Having it as a daily though, I am not so sure. My Accord handles the daily duties so the Jeep is the toy. Sounds like you have two toys in this situation lol. My biggest issue for the Sahara as a daily is the gas consumption. Can you daily the sports car? Or is it like a Viper or something?

 

[TRevs]

Yes I do have two toys now, which I never thought would happen. The new car is an ‘05 lotus elise. It’s probably similar to a viper in practicality. I do plan on commuting with it 1-2 days a week, but there are some parts of town I visit for work I wouldn’t take it, and it won’t be good in rain or colder temps due to the summer tires.

So I need one “regular” car that can be driven in all weather, and that could be the YJ but it would need a full top and A/C. In some ways the YJ is a practical vehicle because it’s the closest thing we have to a truck so it’s useful for hauling furniture, plants and mulch from the garden store etc.

Another aspect of the whole thing is rebuild-ability. The civic is 17 years old with 267k miles. It runs well but when the engine or transmission needs major work, it may be impractically expensive. Also as electric systems fail it could be a nightmare. Whereas the 4.0L (181k) should be easier to rebuild (?) when needed, and new AX-15s are still available, and there’s established support for the ECM (?). Plus the overall simplicity would make it easier to keep running indefinitely.

I’ve been turning all these issues over in my head for weeks.

 

[dieselearl]

"hang on to the wrangler" you will be glad you did. good luck and safe driving.

 

[Plastic Fury]

Yes I do have two toys now, which I never thought would happen. The new car is an ‘05 lotus elise. It’s probably similar to a viper in practicality. I do plan on commuting with it 1-2 days a week, but there are some parts of town I visit for work I wouldn’t take it, and it won’t be good in rain or colder temps due to the summer tires.

Nice. Such a great handling car. A buddy had one and used to track it. He let me drive it a couple of times, such an awesome car around the track. I loved driving it. I can see your conundrum. I wouldn't want to be driving that all the time and putting a ton of miles on it. So you have an awesome Lotus and an awesome YJ. She is just gonna have to let you keep them and the Civic lol. Normally that is a no-brainer with the Honda, they are great daily drivers even with high mileage but I can understand the concern if it will need a lot of work in the future.

 

[Superbird17]

Out of curiosity, why not keep all 3 vehicles mentioned and keep the jeep as is. Drive the Civic as your daily. Problem solved (mic dropped)..lol

or is space the issue ? of course this is coming from one who owns 8 vehicles (wife has 1 of 8) with 2 being Jeep YJ's, one with a/c and one w/o.

JeepAir supplied the factory system for the Jeeps when new, so they are pretty much oem and plug and play. It will have complete installation instruction.

I just installed an all new a/c system (R134a) from JeepAir in a '93. It had factory air (R12) but had not been working for years. I removed the original HVAC box and installed new blowers for the a/c and heater along with new heater core. Basically, I removed everything from up under the dash, rebuild the HVAC system and re-installed. Not hard, if you're mechanically inclined, but you'll be in over your head if not.

 

[TRevs]

Out of curiosity, why not keep all 3 vehicles mentioned and keep the jeep as is. Drive the Civic as your daily. Problem solved (mic dropped)..lol

or is space the issue ? of course this is coming from one who owns 8 vehicles (wife has 1 of 8) with 2 being Jeep YJ's, one with a/c and one w/o.

JeepAir supplied the factory system for the Jeeps when new, so they are pretty much oem and plug and play. It will have complete installation instruction.

I just installed an all new a/c system (R134a) from JeepAir in a '93. It had factory air (R12) but had not been working for years. I removed the original HVAC box and installed new blowers for the a/c and heater along with new heater core. Basically, I removed everything from up under the dash, rebuild the HVAC system and re-installed. Not hard, if you're mechanically inclined, but you'll be in over your head if not.

Yes space to park cars is part of the problem. We have a big family and our teens and young adult kids have cars too.

I read the JeepAir instructions and it isn’t too daunting. I need to completely remove the heating/vent system anyway to clean and replace cables.

Can you comment on whether the JeepAir lugs the engine at idle?

 

[Superbird17]

I have a 6 cylinder and it has no drag on the engine. I can't say how it performs on a 4 cylinder if that's your engine.

As far as the ac working, most of the time I'm running it at medium speed catus it'll freeze you out.. that's a good thing though and I live in south florida.

And yes, you might as well drop the heater box and replace the fan and heater core and be done with it. I actually disassemble the both ac and heater box, cleaned and installed new foam (gasket) tape and resealed.

 

[Piratesailor]

Can’t tell you what AC I have.. it’s not factory. My heater core blew out a few months ago so while out of town i had my mechanic replace it (wow was it in bad shape) and fix the AC. The AC was just a pin leak on a tube and he didn’t charge me. Now with the full top and the AC in 95 degree texas.. it’s sweet. And I specifically checked and on my jeep, with the 4.0, there is zero rpm lag when at idle.

 

[T-Rex Jeepster]

I would recommend a "Vintage Air" I have seen these installed in everything from VW's to Kenworth's....And applied in vehicles that were developed before Freon based auto air conditioning was thought of.....

Vintage Air

vintageair.com