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Hate to ask a dumb question but how would I determine if my A/C system is factory or dealer added on a 79 Wagoneer?

Thanks in advance!

Far as I know ac for fsj’s we’re all American Air kits, did a few when they were new!


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sonoraed wrote: ↑Tue Jan 11, 2022 5:38 pm Far as I know ac for fsj’s we’re all American Air kits, did a few when they new!


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Looking up parts for the A/C system from multiple vendors and it notes factory or dealer added on some parts for the 1979 year model.

Horsman wrote: ↑Tue Jan 11, 2022 5:59 pm

sonoraed wrote: ↑Tue Jan 11, 2022 5:38 pm Far as I know ac for fsj’s we’re all American Air kits, did a few when they new!


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Looking up parts for the A/C system from multiple vendors and it notes factory or dealer added on some parts for the 1979 year model.

The American Air kits could be installed at the factory, or by the dealer. It was the same underdash kit regardless. Its possible some other company made a system for FSJs, though I have not personally seen one.

sonoraed wrote: ↑Tue Jan 11, 2022 5:38 pm Far as I know ac for fsj’s we’re all American Air kits, did a few when they new!


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After thinking about it for a while newer FSJ's with the integrated control panel probably were factory, although still separate heater box and underdash ac evaporator, Jeep designed the panel to control both, it was cleaver and mickey mouse at the same time.

Here is how I figured it out. Look at the expansion valve.

The expansion Valve on the top of page is internally equalized valve bottom valve is externally equalized hence the additional copper tube going suction tube, the top valve is called a peanut valve and commonly used on after market evaporators. I personally have never seen anything but the external valve on American air evaps factory or dealer installed.
But, the internal valve can be used if the R12 style service port on the suction tube is capped off, note it is a flare style fitting, but, you can convert to O-Ring style by using a adapter, o-ring is preferred when converting to 134A because they don't leak refrigerant quite as much, also flare type fitting are hard to find.I see them on small GA style aircraft and of course older oem style vehicles.

Another way on the 70's Jeeps to tell is the position of the AC compressor. If it's vertical instead of horizontal it's dealer added.

The parts book shows components for both factory and dealer installed (American Air) systems. Certainly the engine brackets are different for the two, with the dealer air installed on top of the existing brackets.

NB there are eight different bracket configs, each with its own half-page pic in the '74-80 parts book. Too much to post here.

Where I worked, I don't recall the shop ever installing AC in a Wagoneer or pickup. CJs yes, and infrequently.