Converting A/C compressor to an On-board Air Compressor
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 1
From: Northern Vermont
Year: '89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 242
So Ive heard, that on certain year XJ's you can unhook and modify the A/C compressor, to operate as an air compressor and use tube bumpers or the like, as the holding tank for the compressed air, and attach and air hose fitting somewhere on said bumpers.
Actually I know this is possible, because Ive found it on another website, but I cannot find it again for anything
Im pretty sure my year XJ was one of those you could convert...
Does anyone know what Im talking about?!?! Or have a link?!?!
Actually I know this is possible, because Ive found it on another website, but I cannot find it again for anything

Im pretty sure my year XJ was one of those you could convert...
Does anyone know what Im talking about?!?! Or have a link?!?!
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 8,712
Likes: 2
From: Loomis,California
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 242 inline six
I know what you are talking about,thats one of my next projects.My buddy did it on his TJ.As soon as he has some time we are gunna do it.I'll do a write up on here on how to do it when I do it.
Google 4X4 onboard air. Or rearrange the words onboard air 4X4 etc.
Here's one that came up with a lot of specs, drawings, photos etc.
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...l#Installation
Here's a link with other links.
http://www.jeepsonly.com/How_Tos/On_Board_Air/
Here's a list of parts needed and the prices of the parts.
http://www.huv.com/jon/jeep/Air/hardware.html
Here's one that came up with a lot of specs, drawings, photos etc.
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...l#Installation
Here's a link with other links.
http://www.jeepsonly.com/How_Tos/On_Board_Air/
Here's a list of parts needed and the prices of the parts.
http://www.huv.com/jon/jeep/Air/hardware.html
Last edited by danimal; Dec 7, 2009 at 08:46 PM.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 1
From: Northern Vermont
Year: '89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 242
Nice! Thanks you two.
Hopefully my Jeep will have On-board one of these days.
Also, I hope you will still plan on doing a write up for us, Mike.
Because that would still be greatly appreciated.
Hopefully my Jeep will have On-board one of these days.
Also, I hope you will still plan on doing a write up for us, Mike.
Because that would still be greatly appreciated.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 8,712
Likes: 2
From: Loomis,California
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 242 inline six
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 495
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
The Sanden compressors work the best. They are long and narrow, the others are kind of rounded. Here is mine, side by side with the AC compressor. Anyway this is what they look like.

You will also need a backflow valve, pressure relief valve and pressure switch all of which are available at Kilby Enterprises.

You will also need a backflow valve, pressure relief valve and pressure switch all of which are available at Kilby Enterprises.
I know this isn't what your looking for but...
I use a Co2 can with a high flow regulator and a coil hose. It holds 7.3lbs of Co2 and I keep the regulator at 60psi. I get 4 total air ups from it, 16psi to 33psi before I have to refill the tank. It costs me 12 bucks from my local welding supply shop.
Its a thought to keep with you when getting ready to source parts for the on-board air.
Some body was throwing at a Keg-r-ater. I picked it up to scrap, but grabbed the bottle and left the rest.
I use a Co2 can with a high flow regulator and a coil hose. It holds 7.3lbs of Co2 and I keep the regulator at 60psi. I get 4 total air ups from it, 16psi to 33psi before I have to refill the tank. It costs me 12 bucks from my local welding supply shop.
Its a thought to keep with you when getting ready to source parts for the on-board air.
Some body was throwing at a Keg-r-ater. I picked it up to scrap, but grabbed the bottle and left the rest.
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Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 1
From: Northern Vermont
Year: '89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 242
The Sanden compressors work the best. They are long and narrow, the others are kind of rounded. Here is mine, side by side with the AC compressor. Anyway this is what they look like.

You will also need a backflow valve, pressure relief valve and pressure switch all of which are available at Kilby Enterprises.

You will also need a backflow valve, pressure relief valve and pressure switch all of which are available at Kilby Enterprises.
I dont care much for A/C anyway, so I wont have to have a double setup like this, but this is definitely what I was talking about.
Could I use my stock A/C compressor? Or do I have to use one of the Sanden compressors?
This is something I definitely want. Its just my know how thats lacking.
Doing the same on mine!! A friend gave me a 3 gallon fire extinguisher that i cleaned out and will be using for the air tank. Here is a diagram I found that I an using. Hope it can be of some help.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 495
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
I dont care much for A/C anyway, so I wont have to have a double setup like this, but this is definitely what I was talking about.
Could I use my stock A/C compressor? Or do I have to use one of the Sanden compressors?
This is something I definitely want. Its just my know how thats lacking.
Could I use my stock A/C compressor? Or do I have to use one of the Sanden compressors?
This is something I definitely want. Its just my know how thats lacking.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
Likes: 495
From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
This is good, but needs a back flow preventer valve to keep the pressure from leaking back through the compressor when it is off.
The Sanden compressors work the best. They are long and narrow, the others are kind of rounded. Here is mine, side by side with the AC compressor. Anyway this is what they look like.
You will also need a backflow valve, pressure relief valve and pressure switch all of which are available at Kilby Enterprises.
You will also need a backflow valve, pressure relief valve and pressure switch all of which are available at Kilby Enterprises.


