mcritch

Hi folks. LOONG time lurker, first time poster. thanks to everyone for the tons of useful information I've gleaned from here over the last few years!!

my question -- has anyone ever put a Universal Parallel Flow Condenser in their 1st gen I/C rig? what fitment problems did you have? how did you route the lines?

i am about to replace my lines, etc....and was looking at using a universal condenser instead of the stock parallel (actually a piccolo-style) for a couple of reasons (a - parallel are the most efficient, and b - i can get rid of ALL of the block-style connectors and switch to o-ring everywhere (Bouchillon sells an adapter to convert the expansion valve over to o-ring).

i realize that i can have my existing hardlines on the condenser cut and have o-ring connectors welded on, but I wanted to fully investigate this option first.

thanks for your input!
--matt

thrashingcows

Welcome to the board. i was going to go this route myself on the crewcab when it was 2wd and running a Non-IC motor. Got part way through it and then never did finish it.

Can't say I've come across anyone who has done what you are asking about though.

samiam4

My I/C is a 1991.5 and it has a ribbon condenser which works quite well.


M

Jim Lane

I have a 1991 with non intercooled engine and I replaced mine with one from O'Reillys for my truck by part number and I got parallel flow style, after a few misshaps and a few dings, the condenser was a perfect fit.

I think I had to convert the bolt on the manifold to metric

mcritch

hi jim

i've been looking at the I/C version of that condenser (murray 6972) at o'reillys as well. it's about $130. i found a cheaper model from rockauto, but like you, i'd like to be able to inspect it before bringing it home and am willing to pay a little extra for local support. i've scoured the net and haven't found anyone who has dropped in a universal model. i suspect there is a reason for that besides the stock replacement. there is so little room between the grille and condenser on a I/C model....

i read through one of your threads and am planning on doing the same basic thing, sans the clutch relay. i want as many easy-to-replace hoses and a/c parts on this rig as possible, as aftermarket support for these is almost non-existent if one ever needed replaced in nowheresville. i have a small quantity of r12 on hand, and i am NOT wasting it on old or suspect parts. i figure if i'm going to do it, i might as well give it the strong fix.

samiam4

Since your playing with a/c

It's been noted before, but the catalogs online all for these trucks pull up the 94-2002 expansion valve. If you want the correct one, type in "1985 dodge truck".
And then the part description will be "72-1993 dodge truck/van".

M

mcritch

thanks for reminding me. i've been through that mess with my RC and i'd rather NOT do that again. they also like to get the one with the cutoff switch on the wrong side.

i pulled the grille off and took a good look - you can get a universal condenser under there, but some custom hardlines will have to be fabricated to route around the intercooler. probably just easier at this point to get the stock-replacement 6mm style and have the block connector converted over.

--matt

ofelas

Hey Matt welcome to DTR.

mcritch

hello! fancy meeting you here!