Rear AC, Can I do without?

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5Cruiser

5Cruiser

Joined
Sep 12, 2010
Threads
25
Messages
234
Location
Colorado
I am disappointed to see that the center row overhead ac vents are powered by the rear AC. I have stripped the rear cargo area of everthing in order to maximize my cargo kitchen, dog storage build and use factory anchor points.

I would like to get rid of the giant rear AC control/coil/fan box in the back in order to use the space.

IMG_20100918_182921.jpg


However that would mean no AC for the three kids in the middle row (now back row in my rig). Keep in mind, my third row is permanently removed forever. I don't need/want the three vents pointing back there, but hate to loose the ones on the sides for the center.

Can anyone comment on the effectiveness of cooling the center row of seats with the front AC. Keep in mind that the cargo area will be blocked from airflow from the front, except for an area with the dogs spot will be built. This will cut down on the area to cool and the migration of cool air to the back. The dog will have the operable side windows to help ventilate him when hot.

My only other thought is to try to modify the front ac to include ductwork to those vents but that would just be crazy difficult to do and do well.

If your curious, there are more pictures of the stripping of my cargo area on on my build thread on EXPO.
5Runner's 5Cruiser Build Thread - Expedition Portal Forum

Thanks for any help, comments, experiences, or ideas. I really want to get rid of that big box and the ductwork in the ceiling.
 
By removing the rear air (bad choice IMO) you have basically the same cooling set up as an 80 series. Maybe in CO you will be OK but in AZ you are not. If you plans are to expo your 100 and want to be able to set for long periods of time (border crossings) you are not be comfortable. I know our dogs really appreciate the rear air and again if you are sitting your dogs are going to need it if you are in 100° temps.

Why not just reduct the rear AC to suit your new design. One of the major pluses to a 100 series is its excellent AC system.
 
Just thinking outloud... if you pulled the rear AC and then presumably capped the rear freon lines at the firewall, how would this affect the freon pressure to the front evaporator? If the system is designed to load both front and rear, would a front-only load cause the evap coils to freeze?
 
OregonLC said:
Just thinking outloud... if you pulled the rear AC and then presumably capped the rear freon lines at the firewall, how would this affect the freon pressure to the front evaporator? If the system is designed to load both front and rear, would a front-only load cause the evap coils to freeze?
Click to expand...

Sincity100 removed the rear AC on his 100 without a sacrifice to the front; he located his 2nd and aux battery within this fender space. However I use my rear AC and sometimes just the fan for our 2-dogs although not all the time. Operating both front and rear A/C seems to promote faster cool down of the interior of the rig after its sat out in the sun...

When the rear A/C is "on" along with the front A/C the front air temp at the vent rises a little; that makes sense since there is one compressor feeding both systems.
 
My rear lines were leaking years ago and the dealer wanted $1800. So I had an independent remove the lines and close the system. Everything still works fine years later. Cooling effect up front was unaffected.
 
Well, with all the research I thought I did, I never knew rear a/c was an option. I live in SW Florida, have two kids, and bought an 01 a couple years ago to be my main family vehicle -- with no rear a/c. That said I've tinted the windows pretty dark and the system is in good shape and the results are mostly...adequate. At best. (In my opinion anyhow -- my family rarely complains as they prefer it a little warmer than I do.) That's a lot of air for the front vents to move around and cool though.
 
If .75 cu ft of storage space is that valuable to you, then go for it. Personally, having had an 80 and a 100 in hot climates, the rear AC totally rocks. So, it's up to you.

:meh:
 
Personally I would build around it and keep the Rear AC functional. You potentially lose quite a bit and gain very little useful space. If you lock the Dogs away from the Front AC and eliminate the rear AC you'll have placed them in a "hot box" without real ventilation. The rear windows only vent well with full body airflow front to rear.

In my 98 the AC has always been adequate but not overwhelming. When the baby wasn't getting cool enough I bought a cheap 12V fan and tied it to the center/center headrest for additional air.
 
Okay, thanks for the opinions.

I spent a bunch of time today planning the cargo build, and I don't think it will be a big deal to leave the AC. I will block off the vents I don't need and relocate the other for the dog.

Going from the 4runner to the 100 I still have sooo much more room.

Thanks for all the help!!
 
Re blocking off vents and airflow.
Keep in mind that the air outlets are at the back, one on each side, and you need a free air-flow front to back in order to escape the air you take in at the front. You won't get any fresh cool air at the front either if the air can't get out somewhere.
 
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I'm late to the party, but should someone here come across this thread through a search: my a/c guy and I determined a leak in one of the rear lines. The customer before me with the same issue on his LC also opted to close off the rear unit.

I didn't, but also would not spend the EUR1500 for new lines. My guy cuts the OEM line and mounts a flexible high pressure hose. Costs a third, keeps full rear a/c and you can always go back to OEM later as he keeps the OEM couplings.

Also, the price tag is hefty for rear a/c repair because of the labor. The lines to the rear are long and in one piece, and being non-flexible you have to remove half the car to replace them.
 
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Question: if you don’t have the rear AC switched on or the rear fans switch on, 2006 lx470, can you “stop” the leak in the rear lines. Or is all all one system?

Also, what are some common leak points so I can have a look?
 
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