The story i remember is that Jeep Air - Jeep A/C Components and Complete A/C Kits For All Jeeps made AC retrofits for the CJ7 and possibly the early YJ. The kit worked so well that Chrysler decided to use the jeepair kit on the YJ but I'm not sure what year that started. So the original OEM air conditioning kits can still bought new from jeepair.com.

I had AC installed in another YJ i had and it was decent but not ice cold. But my windows were not tinted so the jeep was a hot box in the summer anyways. I think window tint would have helped keep it cooler.

 

The story i remember is that Jeep Air - Jeep A/C Components and Complete A/C Kits For All Jeeps made AC retrofits for the CJ7 and possibly the early YJ. The kit worked so well that Chrysler decided to use the jeepair kit on the YJ but I'm not sure what year that started. So the original OEM air conditioning kits can still bought new from jeepair.com.

I had AC installed in another YJ i had and it was decent but not ice cold. But my windows were not tinted so the jeep was a hot box in the summer anyways. I think window tint would have helped keep it cooler.

Thanks! That's interesting about Chrysler using Jeep Air - sounds like we have a clear leader of the pack.

Great point on the window tint.

 

Since you're still jeep shopping be advised the Jeep Air kit only fits a 1987 thru 1990 YJ with the 4.2L six if it has v-belts.
The kit doesn't work with a 1987-1990 4.2l Serpentine belt.

The instructions don't mention any fit problems
with the 2.5L 1987-1995
or the 4.0L 1991-1995

 

It's a $1k install kit. but does not really move enough air to really cool the entire cab, but it will keep your knees cool. a 3 mile drive won't get it to start doing anything useful anyway. JMHO.
I had a/c in my 89 when I bought it, fixed it so it worked properly and then removed it to make more leg room. but I live in az, and you get used to 110 degree heat anyway

 

It's a $1k install kit. but does not really move enough air to really cool the entire cab, but it will keep your knees cool. a 3 mile drive won't get it to start doing anything useful anyway. JMHO.
I had a/c in my 89 when I bought it, fixed it so it worked properly and then removed it to make more leg room. but I live in az, and you get used to 110 degree heat anyway

Yeah the short commute is the reason I never got around to fixing the air on my cruiser before I sold it.

Lack of AC is definitely not a deal breaker for me personally; I just wonder how it could impact potential resale value down the road. Probably not much, given the age.

 

Lousiana air conditioning for a 3 mile commute....

 

I have a 1988 YJ, live in SoCalif, installed a JeepAir system, about $800 + $25 for A/C hose fitting crimping. I have the serpentine belt, just tell the order person about the belt, they will substitute a serpentine compressor and you're good to go. The A/C works great, but with a soft top like I have, there is a lot of leakage, so it's really all about the cool air hitting your body(s). And there's plenty of air, the 3 speeds are High, Higher and Highest IMHO. Keep the vents pointed away from your knees unless you like frozen knees. It's MUCH better now with the A/C than without on 90F+ days. And a little bonus as a self-contained unit (no ducting throughout the dash), the cold air begins within seconds of turning it on.

 

I also have a Jeepair kits and can feel the air moving quite well when I am standing out behind my YJ with the tailgate up. I think if you had an older unit that maybe the fan is not as efficient as a new one?
I have a hardtop and am going to be putting in carpet before summer so I think that it will be quieter and even cooler.
I definitely think it is great for resale and isnt such a dread to get in and drive in the summer.
I commute 6 miles to work each way and have zero issues getting it cooled off before leaving work.

 

I also have a Jeepair kits and can feel the air moving quite well when I am standing out behind my YJ with the tailgate up. I think if you had an older unit that maybe the fan is not as efficient as a new one?
I have a hardtop and am going to be putting in carpet before summer so I think that it will be quieter and even cooler.
I definitely think it is great for resale and isnt such a dread to get in and drive in the summer.
I commute 6 miles to work each way and have zero issues getting it cooled off before leaving work.

I remember the days of living in SoCal, 69* and cloudy.....

 

I like to look at the rocks...everybody else driving 55 has too much time on their hands, Most of the state is retired it seems.

 

I looked for A/C when searching for my new YJ because of, well, Florida. I did not end up with one but I definitely was looking for it. A/C in hot climates is a big plus for resale whether its iceberg cold or not. Will you get the additional $1K investment back? Doubtful but hopefully you can get that much value of cool air out of it while you own it.