Installing a full AC system in non AC Ranger
 

Hi everyone. I have a 2003 3.0l V6 without AC. I have the mounting point for the unit, so I'm assuming the engine is already ready to accept all the parts. There are a few early 2000s trucks in my local junk yard that are new and I want to go and use as donors.

Does anyone know exactly what I'll need? Mounting bracket, condenser, reservoir, radiator, all associated lines and the wiring with the in cab switches?

I haven't opened anything up so I have no idea what my current truck already has. Hopefully the plugs and wiring is already there and just unused.

Thanks!

Welcome to the forum

Go here to get your 2003 owners manual: https://www.ranger-forums.com/genera...1-models-3747/
It has maps of fuses and relays

Look in the engine fuse box for where the AC Clutch relay should be, do you see metal connections in the slots for that relay, if not then its not wired for AC

You will need the engine bay "heater box" with the AC Evaporator inside, the hard part
And the AC hoses that run around the engine bay

The condenser in front of radiator often leaks, so used is a roll of the dice, as is used compressor, thats up to you
Current radiator should be fine, if its a single row you may want a double row down the road with its shroud, but its not required in places where outside temps don't stay high year round

You will get a new receiver/drier and orifice tube, regardless, they are cheap, and need to be changed each time system is exposed to air

You will just add an ON/OFF AC button to dash, or you will have to change climate control panel, and use it as on/off switch, just 2 wires you need to splice
Factory AC was controlled by engine computer not the dash panel so swapping computer would entail all sorts of other changes, so not advisable

You will add your own AC Clutch relay(not in the fuse box) and wires for the 2 pressure switches
Wiring for AC is the easy part, plumbing is the hard part