[buz1nonly]

Hi All,

I just installed my ARB compressor in my engine bay. I didn't want to install it on the passenger side since I am still undecided if I will ever get a second battery (if I can ever find a OEM style 3-way switch).

I figured I'll show everyone where I decided to mount it in the engine bay since I haven't seen too many installations. A couple of notes:

1) Had to relocated the small fuse box.
2) I didn't drill any new holes in the engine bay (used all preexisting holes)
3) The aluminum plate is held down by 4 points (base and 3 steel washers brace it to the side of the fender). It is rock solid.
4) All mounting points braced by a rubber washer. ARB compressor is also braced by 4 large rubber pads that go between the compressor and the Al plate.
5) I hate the look of non OEM switches in my car so I bought an OEM style compressor switch.

Cheers, hope you enjoy the pictures.

Thanks, Jerry-

 

[FJtest]

Questions:

1. What year is your FJ? The engine bay layout varies considerably between '07-'09, '10-'12, and '13-'14 model years.

2. What was the source for the compressor rocker switch?

3. What is the black cylindrical component "above" the pressure switch? Is that some sort of a rubber sleeve surrounding a female quick disconnect fitting? If it is a QD, you will need to brace the vertical air pipe or it will swing with the slightest pull on the air hose. You might also consider adding a 90 deg fitting just below the QD so your air line exits horizontally rather than vertically, and so that the QD doesn't fill with water.

I have the same compressor mounted in the cargo bay, and really like it.

 

[buz1nonly]

This is a 2011 FJ (ARMY GREEN )

The OEM styled switch was from AirOnBoard.com. They have tons of them and I went with the dual lights on the switch so the compressor pic will light up when you are using it.

The black cylindrical component is the quick release for the female adapter. It came from ARB, which I think uses the rubber to insulate it from the heat after using the pump. The piping is not QD and is fitted and torqued. It will not move anywhere. I like your suggestion with another 90 deg angle to turn the female adapter. I will modify it soon.

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[powderplanks]

This is a 2011 FJ (ARMY GREEN )

The OEM styled switch was from AirOnBoard.com. They have tons of them and I went with the dual lights on the switch so the compressor pic will light up when you are using it.

The black cylindrical component is the quick release for the female adapter. It came from ARB, which I think uses the rubber to insulate it from the heat after using the pump. The piping is not QD and is fitted and torqued. It will not move anywhere. I like your suggestion with another 90 deg angle to turn the female adapter. I will modify it soon.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Would you be willing to take a picture or explain how you wired the "OEM style" switch? I just bought one of the same ones and I'm having a very difficult time (I'm not mechanically experienced with cars or wiring)

 

[reh8388]

Would you be willing to take a picture or explain how you wired the "OEM style" switch? I just bought one of the same ones and I'm having a very difficult time (I'm not mechanically experienced with cars or wiring)

This should cover it for you. Notice where the original hookup for the switch is removed and replaced by the new switch.

 

[darkhorse13]

Or... there's the option of buying a pre-fabbed Powertray

Good work on your DIY OP! I agree with leaving the passenger side firewall open for a dual battery setup.

 

[J3vasconcelos]

This should cover it for you. Notice where the original hookup for the switch is removed and replaced by the new switch.

View attachment 1029106

I purchased a switch from aironboard, also not using air lockers... here's is a simplified electrical diagram, hope it helps someone!

 

[buz1nonly]

Or... there's the option of buying a pre-fabbed Powertray

Good work on your DIY OP! I agree with leaving the passenger side firewall open for a dual battery setup.

This is awesome!!! Where was this when I was searching for this (maybe my google was broken). I'm thinking about upgrading to this next time I need to remove my ARB.

 

[jkitch]

Hey guys I have a 2007 FJ Cruiser and after about 6 years of having it I am wanting to install one of these compressors. I know that my layout is different than the example above. Im trying to figure out where to install it. Any suggestions? I have a big open space to the left of my air filter. I dont plan on installing a second battery but do you think this would be a safe spot? I would probably need to install a mounting plate since its not a flat surface.

 

[Savagebee]

Hey guys I have a 2007 FJ Cruiser and after about 6 years of having it I am wanting to install one of these compressors. I know that my layout is different than the example above. Im trying to figure out where to install it. Any suggestions? I have a big open space to the left of my air filter. I dont plan on installing a second battery but do you think this would be a safe spot? I would probably need to install a mounting plate since its not a flat surface.

I know it’s popular to put em in the engine bay, but I installed mine in the cargo section.
I was concerned about the heat and hitting thermal cutoff on hot summer days.
I’m running air lockers so I needed to know the compressor was gonna work whenever I needed it.
For an 07 in the engine bay I would absolutely use the huge space between the firewall and air intake on passenger side if going under hood.

 

[FJtest]

I also installed my CKMA12 in the cargo bay for several reasons.

Underhood temperatures can easily exceed 200F, it's dusty and can be at near 100% humidity when it's raining, none of which are good conditions for an 'unsealed' permanent-magnet DC motor.

Maybe more importantly, when you need to air-up it is usually after an extended 4-wheeling session and the compressor is already very hot from heat-soaking if it lives in the engine bay. The temperature rise at the cylinder head after inflating 4 tires from 20 PSI to 45 PSI is over 150 degrees F, so you want to start with the compressor at as low a temperature as possible (e.g. cargo bay instead or engine bay).

The area directly over the wheel wells is perfectly sized for mounting the CKMA compressor, using the two threaded mounting points already on the sidewall. Because I was also going to install a freezer-fridge, I incorporated a power distribution panel along with the compressor to provide circuit-breaker protected DC outlets for the fridge and an auxiliary 12V DC outlet to power misc accessories like a small inverter and USB chargers. The 80/20 extruded aluminum frame does not extend beyond the edge of the wheel-well, so the setup doesn't intrude into any 'usable' area. The air hose is stored in the compartment behind the passenger side wheel-well.

A complete write-up on the installation is here:
On-board ARB air with power distribution panel

 

[Primer]

I know it’s popular to put em in the engine bay, but I installed mine in the cargo section.
I was concerned about the heat and hitting thermal cutoff on hot summer days.
I’m running air lockers so I needed to know the compressor was gonna work whenever I needed it.
For an 07 in the engine bay I would absolutely use the huge space between the firewall and air intake on passenger side if going under hood.

I installed a dual lung ARB in the engine bay. It works yes, but will melt the air hose after a long day in the Moab heat when airing up more than two tires. I carry two ARB hoses because I only fill up two tires before the hose melts/blows. If I had to do it over I would not install it in the engine bay if you wheel in hot weather.

ARB Twin Compressor with Dual Battery mounted in Engine Compartment | Page 2 | Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum (fjcruiserforums.com)

 

[Savagebee]

I installed a dual lung ARB in the engine bay. It works yes, but will melt the air hose after a long day in the Moab heat when airing up more than two tires. I carry two ARB hoses because I only fill up two tires before the hose melts/blows. If I had to do it over I would not install it in the engine bay if you wheel in hot weather.

ARB Twin Compressor with Dual Battery mounted in Engine Compartment | Page 2 | Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum (fjcruiserforums.com)

heres mine in almost the exact same spot.
Still needs to refining but it’s working well.
Nowhere near as loud as I would have expected