Thursday, Nov 07, 2002 at 01:00
Hi guys.
I originally had an FJ 45 and now a HZJ 75. Both had and still have an A/C compressor set up., I have also owned a Blue tongue 12 volt and now in addition to the A/C comp, and ARB 12 volt to drive my diff.lock. More on that later.
Being in a 4WD club and hearing all the scuttlebutt and having very close knowledge of one particular Endless Air installation I strongly do not recommend it. My friend who install his on his 75 series had to butcher the front left lifting ring to make room. One of the installation brackets broke 2 weeks after installation. Brackets supplied had to be modified and the alignment, perfectly aligned with the left rear wheel, or was it the steering wheel? After the installation he got down on his knees and prayed that he would never have to replace any fan belts because of the installation.
I have posted replies to this issue previously and I think a history search may find it. I have been racking my brain, but I read on a site recently where air compressors and maker/s were rated and the endless air was not recommended by them either for various reason. If I remember where I read it I will post it.
The 12 volt type sold by 4WD shops are much the muchness, each have their good and bad points. It all boils down to what you intend to do with them now AND IN THE FUTURE. If you ONLY want to blow up tyres I would recommend the Blue Tongue as it is fan cooled and can run all day. It is also thermal cutout protected, but subject to water and dust ingress. Must be installed inside the vehicle.
If you intend to get an ARB Diff locker later on them the ARB is the way to go.
Despite what claims are made, the time taken and the output is very subjective. It takes less time to blow up an empty ute with a 750x16 tyre to 40lbs then say my troopie at 3 1/4 tonnes to the same pressure, not to mention the hose length variables between vehicles. The ARB is a sealed unit and is thermal protected and as such does get very hot, but the fitment location is not so critical.
Now to my case, why the A/c compressor and ARB comp? The 75 series troopie would have to have the least amount of room under the bonnet of any machine devised. To fit the A/C I had to mount it to the inner right mudguard facing backwards where the windscreen washer bottle used to live, that was ditched and a Marlows rectangular generic type was fitted to the left side in front to the battery.
Because the motor rolls as it works a permanent fan belt connection was out of the question, so to blow up the tyres I have to fit the belt, blow up the tyres and then remove the belt. As such I can not use it to generate and keep up the air supply for the diff lock. Hence the ARB compressor. Here I must add that I can fit the belt, blow up all for tyres, take the belt off and put my hose away while the others with the 12 volt elect. are still on their second wheel.
The a/c compressor that I use is the same as Endless air, how much does theres cost?
When I went in search for one I went to a local auto elect. who pointed me to his scrap heap where I selected 3 of the best, for FREE!!! This is not the only sparky to offer them for free or almost . If it leaks gas they throw them out, but for our purpose, they are perfect.
As for me installing the A/c comp. I have all the tools, welder and a mate who owns an engineering
shop.
But the bottom line, what a mongrel job it was to make the bracket. Worse still, to get the correct alignment, (I didn't realise just how many angles there were), and I used a copy of another one owned by a fellow club member. But now that it is finished, I think it is the best thing since sliced bread!
So ends another saga.
Regards
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