Electrical Mayhen

[Bombadier]

k, here are some things i was wondering about........
A. I have a AC unit installed on my Cherokee....to remove it, what can i rip out, and what do i leave in?
B. I want to strip my fusebox and wiring system to the bare minimum, as in, no fan (climate control), no AC, no radio (my truck plays its own music....truck techno i call it).......etc...
i was thinking the less doodads and thingamajiggies there are, the less there is to go wrong........and who needs AC anyways?........plus, when it comes to complicated electrical stuff, i'm a caveman........am i making any sense? (my gf thinks i'm a moron for wanting to rip these things out of my truck)... :rolleyes:

[reddog]

If your not familar with wiring I don't think you should be ripping things out. I would suggest getting more familar with your truck by getting a wiring diagram for it and learning more about 12 volt basics - it is really not difficult. Then start by going through and fixing any problems you have now while keeping a eye for anything that POs (previous owners) have messed up so you can take care of those.

By removing the things you are thinking about you don't really gain much IMO as the critical systems are usually the ones that have problems (like starting/charging issues) and those systems must remain.

Kerry

[coolram]

Removing the a/c compressor saves some weight but the SJ's wiring harness is pretty basic and utilizes all of it without a lot of fluff.Reddog is right in getting wiring diagrams and checking your wiring to make sure PO hadn't modified it.Good luck

[Bob Barry]

I'd have to agree, as far as the wiring is concerned. There are a few cheap upgrades you can do that will increase the reliability and safety of your rig immensely, yet won't require you to tear everything out. Our FSJ fuseboxes use GM-style components, which (IMHO) were some of the best-engineered setups at the time. For a short list of upgrades I would suggest:

* I would upgrade from your Motorcraft alternator with external regulator to an internally-regulated Delco unit- That would simplify your wiring and make repairs/replacements/upgrades easier.

* I would switch the charging circuit to one that bypassed the ammeter entirely, keeping all the charging amps in the engine compartment.

* I would switch the headlights to run off relays, so your headlight switch only handles a fraction of an amp.

* If you want to ditch your radio, fine; send it to me! smile.gif It doesn't really draw much or complicate anything, though. Same with the heater-controls; they're there, they work, and it's a PITA to be wiping frost off the inside of your windshield when you're trying to drive down the road... ;)

* As for A/C, I took mine out because it was non-functional; I'll probably reinstall it eventually running R134a, as the drive back from a day at the beach is SO much more comfortable with cold air blowing up your shorts... :D :D :D

That's your call, though; if you never use it, then go ahead and remove it. You can check at the Schrader valve whether there is any pressure left in the system (doubtful if it isn't working), unplug the electrical lead for it at the fusebox, disconnect (or cut, if the fittings are frozen badly; another possibility) the hoses, and unscrew it out of there. You may want to consider leaving the A/C pump in place, if you want to convert it to an on-board air-compressor, and you can use the stock condensor as a tranny or PS-fluid cooler.

Before you make your first cut, though, I'd make sure I was confident with a soldering iron and had a good supply of new terminals for fabricating connectors. Get a good book on automotive electrical systems (hey, if I can learn this voodoo stuff, you can too, Mr. Caveman... ;) ), and start with the basics like the alternator and charging circuit upgrade. Read, learn, and try out your new knowledge. That way, when you screw up (and we all do), the damage is localized and easily repaired.

I can see where a wiring setup of half-disconnected systems patched up with wire-nuts and electrical tape would be much less safe than an intact stock setup. The factory system does leave plenty of room for improvement and upgrade, but I don't think tearing everything out is the best first step.

[la mula pescadora]

i also want to remove all the wiring and rewire it i rmove the under dash a/c system and had chenged all the gauges for the turn signals i got one of those universal ones the ones that are u clamp to the side of steering column since now i run a voltage meter insted of an amp meter i want to run the alt directly to batt the power rest of the power i probably will need it will be lighter, stereo, lights, ignition , wipers, that's probably it i'm might leave the blower motor working for heater and defrost but since i don't have a roof i don't know if i will never need it
but for sure get a wiring diagram and always fuse your wiring

[wagdriver]

I am all for the KISS program but are you sure you want to remove the A/C system living in FL. I know you are probably considerable younger than me and my A/C isn't working. I have not fixed mine because I work nights and don't really need it right now, but if you do a lot of daytime driving when its 100 degrees and the humididty right along with it, you may want to considider leaving it in place. ;)