How to DIY install an ARB Compressor in a Ford Bronco (+GIVEAWAY!)

[Dmorty217]

Great DIY write up

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[HRSPW]

Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or a newbie off-roader – we can all reap the benefits of an onboard air compressor. Its many capabilities include actuating Air Lockers, inflating tires after deflating, setting tire beads, drying off cookware at camp, pumping up inflatable paddle boards and kayaks, and blowing the sand off your boots and floor mats.

What’s even better? This invaluable adventure upgrade can easily be installed under the hood of your Ford Bronco with our new mounting bracket that has been validated by Ford engineers. Follow along for a step-by-step guide and pre-order your own by contacting any ARB or Ford dealer.

Requires:
ARB Twin Compressor Mounting Bracket #3580030 (Contact an ARB dealer to preorder)
ARB Twin Compressor #CKMTA12
ARB Manifold #171503
ARB Hose Coupling #0740112

Instructions:

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.

2. Unplug the DLCM and remove the two M6 bolts holding the mount to the body.
DO NOT DROP.

3. Remove and discard the harness plug and earthing harness.

4. Remove fasteners (rear half only) for RHS inner guard and lower.

5. Fit the rear support bracket (4655173) using the factory OE M8 flange bolt. Leave loose at this stage.

6. Feed support tube weldment to the firewall and locate it onto the M6 stud. Once on, place the inner guard support bracket over the same OE factory stud, and fasten the OE M6 nut.

Torque: M6 – 7ft/lb

7. Use an M8 FL BOLT to temporarily brace the support tube to the rear support bracket.

8. Fix the support arm to the firewall using the M10 Nut stick (bent profile shown below) and one M10 SEMS bolt.

Torque: M10 – 32ft/lbs

9. Once the support arm is fixed, remove the M8 bolt from step 6.

10. Feed the U BOLT CHANNEL behind the chassis from the top

Note: the notch in the part faces toward the top.

11. Fasten the front support bracket to the U channel with two M10 FL bolts. Leave loose at this stage
12. Support Wiring harness to mount with a Zip Tie.

13. Measure outside to outside of the two support brackets. They Should measure 220mm (8.6”). If not, adjust accordingly.

14. Torque - M10 bolts to 32ft/lbs.
15. Torque OE M8 bolt from Step 4 to 16ft/lbs.

16. Remove Twin Compressor from the box and place it upside down on a soft surface.

17. Place the base plate onto the Compressor along with the DLCM.
18. Using two M6 x 25 bolts, two M6 Flat washers attach the DLCM to the Compressor.
19. Use one M6 x 25, one M6 Flat washer, and one M6 FL nut on the third position of the DLCM.

20. Use three fasteners supplied with the Compressor to complete the mounting, and torque to spec.

Torque: M6 – 7ft/lbs

21. Secure the coolant hoses with two P clamps, M6x16mm bolts, washers, and flange nuts.

Torque: M6 – 7ft/lbs

22. Using 2 x M6 x 16 bolts, washers, and flange nuts, fit the Compressor Manifold bracket to the rear mount.

23. Fit the Manifold feet to the manifold mounting bracket using M6x16 bolts, washers, and flange nuts.

Torque: M6 – 7ft/lbs

24. Temporarily remove the washer bottle filler neck by removing the bolts retaining them to the vehicle body.

25. Carefully install the assembled Compressor, base plate, and DLCM onto the support brackets.

26. Use 5 x M8 FL BOLTS to secure the base mounting plate to the Front and Rear support brackets.

Torque: M8 - 16ft/lbs

27. Reinstall washer bottle filler neck 27. Plug in the DLCM by gaining access

28. Plug in the DLCM by gaining access through the inner guard.

29. Reinstall the inner guard.

Note: Ensure to install the OE scrivet into ARB inner guard support bracket.

30. Using the fittings provided in kit 171503, fit 1 x JIC4 - 1/4 NPT fitting to the inboard manifold port (as shown in the image to the left).

Note: Ensure to use thread sealant on all 1/4 NPT threads.

31. Repeat the same process for the compressor outlet port.

32. Connect the manifold to the compressor using the braided hose and tighten.

33. Attach the hose coupling (0740112) to the outboard port on the manifold.

34. Using the wiring harness 180415, measure and cut 400mm of wire (purple/black) connected to the purple plug.

Note: Ensure the plug is retained (as shown above)

35. Connect spade connectors to the cut ends.

36. Connect spade connectors to the switch as followed:

37. Pickup power from the stability bar module fuse (10A) located in the engine bay fuse box. Fuse reference #158 in the owner’s manual.

38. Run wiring around the rear section of the engine bay to the compressor switch.

Note: Ensure to insulate the wiring in the conduit.

39. Connect spade connectors to switch pin 2.

40. Crimp a terminal to the end of each of the two red wires on the compressor wiring harness (pn. 180414), and then connect to the positive battery terminal.

41. Connect the 2 black earth wires from the compressor wiring harness to the negative battery terminal.

42. Route the harness around the back of the engine bay. Cable tie every 400mm.

43. Plug the two harnesses into the compressor connectors.
44. Cable tie the harness to the base plate.

GIVEAWAY

If you made it this far, you’re in luck! We are giving away one new ARB compressor bracket to one of you lucky 6G members.

TO ENTER
1. Reply to this thread.
2. Follow/subscribe to at least one of our social channels.

Instagram: @arb4x4usa
Facebook: www.facebook.com/arbusa
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/ARB4x4USA

The last day for entries is October 14, 2022, 11:59PST. The winner will be chosen randomly and will be notified in this thread

*ARB will never message you directly and ask for your credit card information*

Good luck!

I'm in too.

 

[Ryan at ARB]

great writeup!
Followed on facebook.

Question, does the twin compressor setup interfere with roush air intake upgrade?

This isn't a configuration that we have tested. But the Roush system doesn't look any bigger than the factory air box.

 

[Ryan at ARB]

I'm guessing it's Uncompatible with the Everglades trim?

That is correct - not compatible with the Everglades due to the snorkel routing.

 

[Ryan at ARB]

Sweet...I need this! I am following on insta as @Lifeqimedicine.

Question, which aux switch is best to hook the compressor to?

The compressor needs to be powered by the battery. But you can connect the switch wiring to any of your OE AUX switches.

 

[DesertEagle1776]

This looks awesome. I already subscribe and follow you on YouTube and Instagram. I'm also getting my bronco delivered at the end of the month so the timing would be awesome!

 

[Ryan at ARB]

Great post, love the factory installed look and thorough instructions. I think it was already asked, but is there compatibility with this mounting solution on the Raptor? Subscribed on YouTube, thanks!

Unfortunately, this system will not fit the Raptor. The airbox in the Raptor is completely different and leaves no room for the air compressor in this location.

 

[BluegrassBraptor]

Unfortunately, this system will not fit the Raptor. The airbox in the Raptor is completely different and leaves no room for the air compressor in this location.

Thanks Ryan, appreciate the info

 

[Cetacean Sensation]

Nice! Thanks!

 

[Lab00Rat]

I could use this...
Thanks for the install instructions. Clear enough that i might be able to do this myself...

 

[redflipppper`]

sign me up

 

[nwGTS]

IG follow. Send it!

 

[CarbonBronco]

Very well done ARB! I love all my ARB accessories!

 

[ScuderiaCavallo]

Followed on IG, stoked on these compressors!

 

[tbnlulz]

Awesome!

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