a/c in a 85-89 truck, help please

[johnny_boy02]

Ok, I need help. I am shopping for a new truck 85-89. And I cant find one with a/c, I know im a puss. But hey it gets hot here, and it will be a daily driver, so a/c will be nice.

Anyways, I am trying to pick between an 85 or 86. And was wondering how hard it would be to put a/c in the truck. Are they already plumbed for it? Is it all pretty much bolt on? Does the wiring harness have all the plug ins, or will I have to hack into the harness? How much of a pain in the butt will this be? Aprox, how much will it cost?

I am pretty ok with a wrench, so I will be installing this myself. Any advice you guys could give me would be a huge help!

thanks john

[Oatmeal]

It is extermely easy, the hardest part is finding the parts. I just installed A/C in my '85 short bed and it was the easiest mod I've done. I pulled the system out of an '87 my buddy was parting out and saved a ton of money doing it myself. Get a factory system if you can find one because, they're so much better than the aftermarket stuff. The spots for the A/C hose holes are clearly marked (hole saw works real nice) and everything plugs and bolts in. To install the evaporater box you only have to remove the glove box and unbolt a section of duct that slides right out to be replaced by the A/C unit. All the plugs are there, holes for the condenser and hose brackets...everything is ready for the install, Toyota made it real easy. You'll need a couple of longer bolts where the compressor mounts because, they go through the timing cover so, if you're pulling the system off the truck make sure you get everything, in fact, it's a good idea to remove the parts yourself so you can see where everything goes. Get a factory repair manual because, they have the best information on the install and troubleshooting should you have any problems (you shouldn't) I had it in and running in less than a day and, if I can do it anyone can:D Good Wheeling......Hans

[trailtoy]

I'm just surprised it's hard to find a truck with A/C in California.

[johnny_boy02]

Well I bought the 86 and it turns out is does have a/c, it just dosent work. The compreser turns when you press the botton but it blows hot air. So over the winter im going to start messing with it . I am hoping that all I will have to do is get it evaced and re-charged. We will see. Thanks for the info guys....john

[Jeff S.]

It is pretty easy to install AC. I did it in my old 86 runner. You will need the wiring harness for the AC, your vehicle has the plugs already for the harness to plug into. You will need to drill three holes in the firewall, 2 for the ac lines and one for the drain. You will need to get an AC amplifier for your specific era of truck. I got an 89 amp first and it did not work properly. But when I got one for an 86 everything worked fine(mainly the on/off switch and idle up compensator). I installed the AC from an 89 runner.

Jeff S.:D

[robrocketanski]

if you need anything for it i have two complete a/c systems. but they are in trucks and i am pretty busy to be pulling all of it. but i can try if there is something you need.