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A/C Question

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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 07:36 PM
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jcmoyer2004's Avatar
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From: Katy, Tx
A/C Question

Is there a difference in the A/C systems in the regular cab versus the club cabs. I'm thinking about putting a McKinnley Conversion on my regular cab whihc in essecense make it a club cab, but want to be able to cool the bigger area in a reasonable amount of time. the system i have now does ok but i dont think it will cool the both parts down like i need it too during the south texas summers.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 10:49 PM
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loch's Avatar
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From: texas
i doubt theres a diff.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 10:50 PM
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From: Oak Lawn, IL
I have never been asked if the truck was a club cab when I ordered A/C parts if that means anything. I would imagine it would cool down fine just take a little longer to pump all the heat out larger cab. Maybe an extra electric fan in front of the condesner would help get rid of some more heat quicker.
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Old Aug 1, 2008 | 11:24 PM
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From: Rocket City USA - AKA Huntsville, AL
Insulate the floor and back wall well and it'll be fine. Those areas of hot metal take a lot to cool them off. If they're insulated, they won't need that.

I just did the rear floor and back wall in my standard cab it makes a difference both in noise and cooling/heating. On 100 degree days here, it can take a while for the A/C to cool things off, especially when you're stuck in traffic (no air flow over condensor, low RPM's, etc.). The insulation helps.
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Old Aug 2, 2008 | 04:21 AM
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From: New Holland, PA
No difference in the capacity of the A/C system on any of the D/W series trucks. The Ramchargers used the same A/C setup too.
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Old Aug 2, 2008 | 10:00 AM
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From: Katy, Tx
thanks for all the help guys, i'm going to dyno-mat or the same type of insulation all along the floor and the cab, just about whereever there is metal i'm going to try to insulate it and then cover it with a good carpet, hope that helps with the cooling process.
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Old Aug 2, 2008 | 11:49 AM
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From: Rocket City USA - AKA Huntsville, AL
Make sure you seal everything you can, too. Mine had a problem with hot air blowing in behind the door panels because the plastic film had been removed. I put some foil backed bubble wrap there to seal it back up and it helped, plus quieted things down some.

Also, you might look into fender vents. They'll reduce underhood temp, which reduces firewall temp. Me, I'd like to be able to freeze my steaks in the bag on the way home from the grocery store.
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Old Aug 2, 2008 | 01:42 PM
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From: Central Mi
Be sure to look into cleaning the air intake in the passenger's side foot well.
When I cleaned mine the heater worked better and to my surprise the ac did also.
Now I get ~ 35* air out of my vents !
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Old Aug 3, 2008 | 06:52 AM
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From: Katy, Tx
well i do like a really cold a/c just didn't think this old one would cool as good as the newer models. i will definately look into sealing up the door panels when i replace the door speakers and i have been planning to get into the air intake to see if it needs cleaning, just haven't had too much time. but thanks for all the suggestions guys, ya'll are a lot of help
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Old Aug 3, 2008 | 02:57 PM
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Well, if you like really cold air, don't convert an R12 system into R134a. That stuff is absolute crap. Its one of those you get what you pay for deals.
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Old Aug 3, 2008 | 03:33 PM
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From: Katy, Tx
Unhappy

well unfortunately it was already converted to the 134a when i bought it
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Old Aug 3, 2008 | 03:36 PM
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From: New Holland, PA
Originally Posted by keith1992
Well, if you like really cold air, don't convert an R12 system into R134a. That stuff is absolute crap. Its one of those you get what you pay for deals.
I wouldn't go that far. It works pretty well, only on the most nasty hot humid days do I need to keep it on "Max" all the time. I'll agree that it doesn't cool as well as an R12 system, but it's a darn sight better than nothing and you can convert for under $50.
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Old Aug 3, 2008 | 03:56 PM
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From: Rocket City USA - AKA Huntsville, AL
If you do convert from R12 to R134a, try to find a larger condensor that will fit on your truck. Newer vehicles have bigger condensors to accomodate R134a.

First, be sure your airbox is clean. See the post I did about 2 weeks ago on the subject. My evaporator was almost completely blocked, letting just a trickle of cold air through. It's much, much better now after cleaning the evaporator inside the air box (under the dash). Best 30 minutes I've spent on the truck, so far.
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