On board air

Hey guys, With the axle swap I'm doing I'll need to install a compressor for the ARB. I was planning on just using the ARB compressor but I think that I may as well set up a heavier duty compressor for tires ,tools etc. if it's not too much trouble or money.

I looked at the Kilby site and that looks pretty pricy for me. Has anyone used an A/C compressor for "on board air"? If so, what do I need to know?

 

Re: On baord air

I have a York On-Board A/C on mine but it's not airing a locker....it's just for airing up tires or air tools (if I had a tank on it)

 

I'm using my 3" roll cage for an air tank. I calculate about 7 gallons total. If you decide to go this route be sure your cage is hot rolled and doesn't have seams. That could be dangerous if it blows near your head. :?

 

I have OBA on the heep. Originaly when I had the 258 I used Kilby's kit and found a York compressor off a volvo 240. It worked great. Now I have the 4.0 with the stock Sanden compressor and it works just as well. I used one of the kilby tanks as I was too lazy to search around and mounted it under the battery.

If you look at there parts diagram that they have on the site you can usually obtain all the bits and pieces at a good hardware store. I was only unable to locate the check valve. Get a roll of air hose tubing and a bunch of pipe fittings and you'll be on your way. The biggest hassle is mounting and plumbing all the pieces together.

Honestly its a fairly simple setup, its just finding all the bits to make it work. Look around for a jeep engine that has AC and snag all the brackets off of it. I had a hard time finding one so I bought it all.

Kevo

 

Re: On baord air

If you know a firefighter, you might could lay your hands on an SCBA tank used in the fire service. You can get them when they go out of date and cannot be used by the fire department anymore. It is a great fit inside your frame rails. Just a thought.

 

I have a braket off of a 258 in line for the york and I think I have an extra york laying around if you are interested let me know.

 

Do you think it would have the same mounting as a 2.5 / 151??

 

Re: On baord air

I happen to know a Firefighter......and I have thought about that.

 

I dug up an A/C compressor from an old Mazda RX-2 in my Dad's shop. I think if I can find a bracket for an "Iron Duke" 151 GM I could make it work easier than fabbing one.

I've been checking e-bay and junk yards for one from a car with a/c but no luck. I think the GM 151 was in the Chevette, Citation and some Pontiacs in the early '80's.

Does anyone know which other cars or trucks had the same engine?
Any suggestions on where to look?

I've also been looking for pics of that engine with A/C so I can tell where the best location is for the compressor. There are two bolt holes in my block on the driver's side below the P/S pump that look like they might work.

 

This site has some info, http://www.answers.com/topic/gm-iron-duke-engine