ARB Onboard Compressor

Ok so here is what is going on with the ARB Compressor.
They made a custom bracket that bolts onto the factory bolt on locations. The bracket they made does 2 things.
1 it moves the ECU up 2 inches
2 the custom bracket also supports the compressor below the ECU.
So it uses factory locations but IMO I'd rather have it above that location. So I'll make my own bracket to lower the ECU to the wheel well and put the compressor above it for better access.

If you plan on fording water I would not recommend lowering it but I know I will never put myself in the situation where my engine bay is under water.

It's all individual preference.

Was up in the OBX recently driving on the beach and having to air up/down. After waiting each day to use the public air stations I have decided onboard air will be a must have for me. (y)

Looking forward to see what the AM brings here and how everyone installs in their Broncs. I do like the idea of having it built in as space will be limited in my 2 dr.

DRWright

Ok so here is what is going on with the ARB Compressor.
They made a custom bracket that bolts onto the factory bolt on locations. The bracket they made does 2 things.
1 it moves the ECU up 2 inches
2 the custom bracket also supports the compressor below the ECU.
So it uses factory locations but IMO I'd rather have it above that location. So I'll make my own bracket to lower the ECU to the wheel well and put the compressor above it for better access.

If you plan on fording water I would not recommend lowering it but I know I will never put myself in the situation where my engine bay is under water.

It's all individual preference.
View attachment 13460View attachment 13461View attachment 13462View attachment 13463

Thanks for the research!
I assume that is a 2.7 engine bay, like I will have, perhaps the 2.3 bay has a bit more room?

Since I'm outfitting my OBX as a beach buggy, the on board air will be my primary (except larger ~33" tires) modification. I do think that the air pump(s) must be located in the engine bay, and not elsewhere in the vehicle, for voltage drop reasons. A 12 volt wire to a remote air pump location would be huge (lots of copper) and hot!

Ideally, I would love one of those 1 gallon aluminum ARB air tanks, to keep the air pressure up, so the pump is charging the tank instead of direct-feeding the hose. However, I doubt there is room in the engine bay for that (is there?).

Not having a vehicle to study, the only space I've seen that a one gallon air (~7" x 12" ~) tank might fit is the cubby space in the passenger-side wall of the rear cargo area. But that would also require running an air hose (or metal tubing) from the engine bay to the rear of the vehicle, an expensive operation. And then the tire hose hook up.

Thoughts?

Lakesinai

Thanks for the research!
I assume that is a 2.7 engine bay, like I will have, perhaps the 2.3 bay has a bit more room?

Since I'm outfitting my OBX as a beach buggy, the on board air will be my primary (except larger ~33" tires) modification. I do think that the air pump(s) must be located in the engine bay, and not elsewhere in the vehicle, for voltage drop reasons. A 12 volt wire to a remote air pump location would be huge (lots of copper) and hot!

Ideally, I would love one of those 1 gallon aluminum ARB air tanks, to keep the air pressure up, so the pump is charging the tank instead of direct-feeding the hose. However, I doubt there is room in the engine bay for that (is there?).

Not having a vehicle to study, the only space I've seen that a one gallon air (~7" x 12" ~) tank might fit is the cubby space in the passenger-side wall of the rear cargo area. But that would also require running an air hose (or metal tubing) from the engine bay to the rear of the vehicle, an expensive operation. And then the tire hose hook up.

Thoughts?

The 2.3 has much more room under the hood. Finding space for a tank would be challenging

Lakesinai

Not having a vehicle to study, the only space I've seen that a one gallon air (~7" x 12" ~) tank might fit is the cubby space in the passenger-side wall of the rear cargo area. But that would also require running an air hose (or metal tubing) from the engine bay to the rear of the vehicle, an expensive operation. And then the tire hose hook up.

If you have the LUX that space it used for the sub.

ResidualGenius

If you have the LUX that space it used for the sub.

High, not Lux. I wanted the 12" screen and cameras for $1,200 more than the other luxury tech items. Will be interesting to see how much usable space is in that compartment, when delivery actually happens.

Lakesinai

Thanks for the research!
I assume that is a 2.7 engine bay, like I will have, perhaps the 2.3 bay has a bit more room?

Since I'm outfitting my OBX as a beach buggy, the on board air will be my primary (except larger ~33" tires) modification. I do think that the air pump(s) must be located in the engine bay, and not elsewhere in the vehicle, for voltage drop reasons. A 12 volt wire to a remote air pump location would be huge (lots of copper) and hot!

Ideally, I would love one of those 1 gallon aluminum ARB air tanks, to keep the air pressure up, so the pump is charging the tank instead of direct-feeding the hose. However, I doubt there is room in the engine bay for that (is there?).

Not having a vehicle to study, the only space I've seen that a one gallon air (~7" x 12" ~) tank might fit is the cubby space in the passenger-side wall of the rear cargo area. But that would also require running an air hose (or metal tubing) from the engine bay to the rear of the vehicle, an expensive operation. And then the tire hose hook up.

Thoughts?

2.7 engine


2.3 engine

Do you know why Ford uses a $5.00 jack in the Bronco?

This is a joke ;)

Commodore

Do you know why Ford uses a $5.00 jack in the Bronco?

This is a joke ;)

Because they have a surplus from all their other vehicles LOL

ResidualGenius

Because they have a surplus from all their other vehicles LOL

Nope!
It’s because nobody makes 50 cent jacks!

Lakesinai

DRWright

Ok so here is what is going on with the ARB Compressor.
They made a custom bracket that bolts onto the factory bolt on locations. The bracket they made does 2 things.
1 it moves the ECU up 2 inches
2 the custom bracket also supports the compressor below the ECU.
So it uses factory locations but IMO I'd rather have it above that location. So I'll make my own bracket to lower the ECU to the wheel well and put the compressor above it for better access.

If you plan on fording water I would not recommend lowering it but I know I will never put myself in the situation where my engine bay is under water.

It's all individual preference.
View attachment 13460View attachment 13461View attachment 13462View attachment 13463

Thanks for the research!
I assume that is a 2.7 engine bay, like I will have, perhaps the 2.3 bay has a bit more room?

Since I'm outfitting my OBX as a beach buggy, the on board air will be my primary (except larger ~33" tires) modification. I do think that the air pump(s) must be located in the engine bay, and not elsewhere in the vehicle, for voltage drop reasons. A 12 volt wire to a remote air pump location would be huge (lots of copper) and hot!

Ideally, I would love one of those 1 gallon aluminum ARB air tanks, to keep the air pressure up, so the pump is charging the tank instead of direct-feeding the hose. However, I doubt there is room in the engine bay for that (is there?).

Not having a vehicle to study, the only space I've seen that a one gallon air (~7" x 12" ~) tank might fit is the cubby space in the passenger-side wall of the rear cargo area. But that would also require running an air hose (or metal tubing) from the engine bay to the rear of the vehicle, an expensive operation. And then the tire hose hook up.

Thoughts?

I took these images from a 2.3L MT Badlands the other week at the dealer. There seemed to be a lot of space on the passenger side firewall for the ARB Onboard Compressor.

The arrow on the overall engine bay shot is pointing to the area where that space is in case someone is wondering.

BroncoPA65

I took these images from a 2.3L MT Badlands the other week at the dealer. There seemed to be a lot of space on the passenger side firewall for the ARB Onboard Compressor.

The arrow on the overall engine bay shot is pointing to the area where that space is in case someone is wondering.

Nice work! Thanks.

Lakesinai

Nice work! Thanks.

That battery is so completely covered with insulation/sound deadening/ material, i couldn't figure out what it is! It is a wet lead acid battery, or a more stable AGM (glass mat) battery. My F150 has the AGM, an excellent, reliable unit. Has anyone been able to figure this out?

Lakesinai

That battery is so completely covered with insulation/sound deadening/ material, i couldn't figure out what it is! It is a wet lead acid battery, or a more stable AGM (glass mat) battery. My F150 has the AGM, an excellent, reliable unit. Has anyone been able to figure this out?

It is an AGM battery.

Lakesinai

Thanks for the research!
I assume that is a 2.7 engine bay, like I will have, perhaps the 2.3 bay has a bit more room?

Since I'm outfitting my OBX as a beach buggy, the on board air will be my primary (except larger ~33" tires) modification. I do think that the air pump(s) must be located in the engine bay, and not elsewhere in the vehicle, for voltage drop reasons. A 12 volt wire to a remote air pump location would be huge (lots of copper) and hot!

Ideally, I would love one of those 1 gallon aluminum ARB air tanks, to keep the air pressure up, so the pump is charging the tank instead of direct-feeding the hose. However, I doubt there is room in the engine bay for that (is there?).

Not having a vehicle to study, the only space I've seen that a one gallon air (~7" x 12" ~) tank might fit is the cubby space in the passenger-side wall of the rear cargo area. But that would also require running an air hose (or metal tubing) from the engine bay to the rear of the vehicle, an expensive operation. And then the tire hose hook up.

Thoughts?

I have a Viair Onboard Air System with a 3gal tank and another 2.5gal tank from an old work air compressor.

I'm going to (hopefully) mount the compressor somewhere in the engine bay (2.3) and the two tanks on the frame rails under the body (one on each side). I think I'll end up installing the air chuck at the back bumper so I can use one of the Speedflate systems that fill all four tires at same time.

That's the plan, only time will tell if it works out or not.

Buckin Bronco

I have a Viair Onboard Air System with a 3gal tank and another 2.5gal tank from an old work air compressor.

I'm going to (hopefully) mount the compressor somewhere in the engine bay (2.3) and the two tanks on the frame rails under the body (one on each side). I think I'll end up installing the air chuck at the back bumper so I can use one of the Speedflate systems that fill all four tires at same time.

That's the plan, only time will tell if it works out or not.

Nice plan. Do you plan to get any of the undercarriage skid plating?

I'm new to this scene... what are the main uses of an onboard air compressor on a Bronco?

MathRanger

I'm new to this scene... what are the main uses of an onboard air compressor on a Bronco?

Tires. When i drive on the beach, I let the air down to 15-20 lbs. That has to be reinflated before much asphalt driving. Some beaches have an inflation station, but on the weekend, theres a line. Some beaches have no inflation station.

I've used a portable pump for years, gets power from alligator clips on battery after opening hood. (Don't ever buy an air pump powered by the cigarette lighter, not enough power/runs hot). A vehicle installed pump with a mounted air hose connection is easier to use, and in a small vehicle this gives you one less bulky item to store, take our, connect, put away, etc.

It does cost money to have the system installed, unless you're handy. A portable pump lets you take it to other vehicles, but i want more convenience. There are other reasons for an on-board installed air pump, but ill invite the air tool users and rock crawlers speak for themselves.

MathRanger

I'm new to this scene... what are the main uses of an onboard air compressor on a Bronco?

As you gain knowledge regarding deflating and inflating your tires, the following link might be helpful.

Indeflate + Viair 450P-RV Gear Testing | Bronco Nation Forum (thebronconation.com)

Thanks for the info. Its on my list of items for sure.