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M923 air conditioning a/c install project

74M35A2

Well-known member
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Livonia, MI
That kit is heavy, expensive, V-belt, and a big pain in the a$$. Moves your fan forward so it doesn't hit the new V belt, additional pulley bolts onto front of crank pulley, etc... I had the kit and sold it because I wanted to stay serpentine drive, and because it's price went up through the roof so I netted like 5x what I paid for it 2 years prior. I'm adding my A/C compressor onto my existing A2/8.3L serpentine drive via making a bracket to mount it above the alternator and using a universal compressor mount. Re-pin the tensioner spring by 90 degrees to clock it, add a longer belt, and done. If you search, you can find several instances where guys have mounted a second alternator onto the 8.3L serp system, right above the first alternator, which is how I am doing it but with an A/C compressor instead of an alternator. Looks like I should fab up a few extra and sell them complete for $400 plug-and-play? No waiting, no group buys, no thread searching, no adjusting belts or squealing when it is wet, just cash and carry.... You can easily swap out a v belt clutch pulley with a serpentine one, and same with the clutch magnet, or just use a resistor or relay off one battery to drop it to 12V. I would make it for the popular ear mount (not pad mount) type Sanden compressor only, which I think is the one that comes in all the kits most people here are wanting to use. I have not done mine yet, but I do have the parts already to do so, if there are some takers, I may pull it ahead. This would be for the A2/8.3L only, sorry 250 guys, I don't have one to work with in front of me and that one should be easier to source from used truck parts yards. I'd supply required belt length / part number, or could include it for additional pass-through price. Pic below is of dual alternator systems (not mine), of which just put an A/C compressor in place of the top alternator. Also pic of A/C compressor mount type which would be suitable for use with this bracket. Turn-key Sanden compressor model is 4866, which is equipped with an 8 rib serp 24v clutch. Aftermarket version compressor complete with clutch can be had new for less than $200 delivered from eBay. Come get some...
 

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grendel

Member
536
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Location
Derry, NH
I guess I need to look at the M939 kit I bought... it's still in the crate in my back yard. Will get to it soon, but will probably need one of your brackets, since I don't know what's in there.
 

simp5782

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Had my bracket from Kenway Engineering show up this past week. The price on them went up to around $250 for each bracket kit. Along with the AC/Heat box I acquired on here. I think I am going to use an AC condenser off an F-250 that should allow me to mount it vertically above my planned install of a oil cooler. Then just run my lines. All and All I should be AC installed with everything for around $600/$625. Just need to get my passengers seat thing arranged and get the air ride in.
 

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M35A2-AZ

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Tonopah, AZ
Suprman has some condenser for the M939 that I used. I have installed three of them and they work great. You have to install a fan switch that the ac unit can turn on the motor fan.
 

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74M35A2

Well-known member
4,145
330
83
Location
Livonia, MI
Had my bracket from Kenway Engineering show up this past week. The price on them went up to around $250 for each bracket kit. Along with the AC/Heat box I acquired on here. I think I am going to use an AC condenser off an F-250 that should allow me to mount it vertically above my planned install of a oil cooler. Then just run my lines. All and All I should be AC installed with everything for around $600/$625. Just need to get my passengers seat thing arranged and get the air ride in.
This is an A/C compressor mount for a Cummins 250 (855) engine, correct?
 

simp5782

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This is an A/C compressor mount for a Cummins 250 (855) engine, correct?
Yes. Sorry. Forgot i had the notification turned off. I can make one i am sure for cheaper. I just didnt have the specs for it.

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TwistedOaks

Member
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Odessa, Florida
Weren't you installing AC on your 84? Are you planning on fabbing a bracket? I just got off the phone with Kenway, and they're ridiculous. 3 weeks ago, they wanted $395, and today it's $290 - but a year ago it was $198.

Yes. Sorry. Forgot i had the notification turned off. I can make one i am sure for cheaper. I just didnt have the specs for it.

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simp5782

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Weren't you installing AC on your 84? Are you planning on fabbing a bracket? I just got off the phone with Kenway, and they're ridiculous. 3 weeks ago, they wanted $395, and today it's $290 - but a year ago it was $198.
I bought the kenway kit. It was 225 for me. That was for everything I have one now and i have a cnc machine so i can cut and weld my own for future projects. For everything with the bolts and belts ill be around the 200 mark as well

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TwistedOaks

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Odessa, Florida
Is that something you'll be doing soon? Kenway is also quoting 6 weeks lead time. I've got my kit in hand and looking to get mine rolling. Only thing I'm missing is the bracket (and belts).
I bought the kenway kit. It was 225 for me. That was for everything I have one now and i have a cnc machine so i can cut and weld my own for future projects. For everything with the bolts and belts ill be around the 200 mark as well

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simp5782

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I can make one in a day or so. Its the main bracket and adjuster bracket which is easy. And nuts and bolts crap. I think the list of them is on their site. Weird. 6 weeks. I ordered mine on a tuesday and had it the following Wednesday

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simp5782

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If i could get 5 people to buy them it would come down on cost a little bit. I just can line weld rather than doing 1 here and there. My current project is wheel spacers and propane injection for my 5 ton

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TwistedOaks

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She said they're no longer stocking them and making to order. If you can set me up I'll PM you.
I can make one in a day or so. Its the main bracket and adjuster bracket which is easy. And nuts and bolts crap. I think the list of them is on their site. Weird. 6 weeks. I ordered mine on a tuesday and had it the following Wednesday

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simp5782

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Pm me with your email or cell. Its easier for me to text or email with all I've got going on.

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74M35A2

Well-known member
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Location
Livonia, MI
Don't give up. Have you guys checked to see what the Cummins 855 engine uses for a bracket in big trucks? Maybe it is a plug and play piece from Cummins? Was not the case for the A2 8.3 with the military accessory drive config, which is why I made the kit. Maybe I should look into this for the 250 as well as alternators, as I get numerous requests for both.
 
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