Updating 73 Alternator and AC...couple quick questions

[shiner2001]

When I bought my 73 a few years ago, it came with the AC (and all associated brackets) removed, but still had the under dash unit (which works) and the condensor (which will be replaced anyway). Not having seen the alternator and AC bracketry in stock form, I'm basically starting from scratch and want to upgrade to a larger alternator when I add (re-add) AC. So, my question is more about the AC compressor brackets and what is most desirable (from a model year standpoint). I believe that different eras of FSJ's used different compressors, so what would the most desireable be, since I'm starting from zero? I know the alternator stuff has been covered quite extensively on here, so I think I am set on that (searching for brackets from a 78+, correct)?

Thanks in advance...glad to be back!

[babywag]

If you can find it...go with the later sanden AC compressor/brackets.
Came ~1989, some '89 models had York, some had Sanden.
Every '90-'91 I've seen has sanden.

York AC brackets are pretty easy to find.

[Dumpy]

Chevy one-wire alternator

[shiner2001]

If you can find it...go with the later sanden AC compressor/brackets.
Came ~1989, some '89 models had York, some had Sanden.
Every '90-'91 I've seen has sanden.

York AC brackets are pretty easy to find.

Thanks for the heads up. I've also seen the adapter bracket to run a Sanden on a York factory bracket, or I could always make my own, I suppose. Good info.

[MonsterZ]

I am diggin' the CS144 alt, still plenty of room for the York AC.

[shiner2001]

I am diggin' the CS144 alt, still plenty of room for the York AC.

That's exactly the route I am headed, but with a Sanden AC setup. Well, hopefully.

[Dive 30]

A couple of thoughts

Just to muddy the waters:

Do you now or later want on-board air or an on-board welder?

I have seen a dual york set-up to make AC and on-board air. If you use a Ford externally regulated alternator, preferably a 200 amp from an ambulance package, you can make a basic welder or save up and buy a welding kit.

I used a 140 amp GM one wire on mine and the factory York for my AC/R-134 set-up. I need to get new hoses though.

Phil

[shiner2001]

Reviving an old thread, but it's mine, so I don't feel so bad. I ended up tracking down all the brackets I was looking for for my 73, so that's good to go. In the meantime, I picked up an 81 J10 with factory AC, but no compressor or evaporator by the time it made its way to me. It does have the bracket for the York, though. So my new question is, why is the Sanden more desirable than the the York?

Any thoughts?

[FSJ Guy]

It is rumored that the Sanden performs better with the R134A conversions.

I read it on the internet, so it must be true. ;-)

[FSJunkie]

I'm a believer in the Yorks. They maintain system pressure just fine, but they pull alot of power, and it varies based on how hard the A/C is working. On a hot day with the system just turned on, the compressor really pulls on the engine. After things cool down, you don't even notice it.

Stock alternator was 55 AMP for A/C cars, and was barely enough.

[Woodchomper]

One thing you might want to check out is the location of the bracket mounting holes on the side of the head. I put a set of '70 291C heads on my Wag and was surprised to find I was missing a mounting location for the late model AC bracket. The same hole was used (and missing) for the automatic transmission kickdown on the driver's side. Now that I think about it, there was another issue with the size of the alternator top mounting bolt. I believe the difference is in the block. I believe the earlier blocks use a larger bolt so the later mounting brackets need to be drilled out one size larger.

[shiner2001]

One thing you might want to check out is the location of the bracket mounting holes on the side of the head. I put a set of '70 291C heads on my Wag and was surprised to find I was missing a mounting location for the late model AC bracket. The same hole was used (and missing) for the automatic transmission kickdown on the driver's side. Now that I think about it, there was another issue with the size of the alternator top mounting bolt. I believe the difference is in the block. I believe the earlier blocks use a larger bolt so the later mounting brackets need to be drilled out one size larger.

Very good info. I will have to pull the new style brackets out and check to see if they work on my 73. That's another reason I was thinking about just going with the York for the 81, but it sounds like that York is pretty parasitic. I guess I need to sit and talk with my AC guy and see what he says.