Mapping out engine bay add-ons

[Liquidmantis]

I'm about to do a compressor install and so far the only ready-made mounting bracket I've turned up is the Slee bracket that mounts behind the relay box. My concern is that location is the spot to mount a Spod or distribution block. I may or may not end up with one but I'm hoping to lay things out "right" from the beginning. I can see myself ending up with compressor, dual battery, and Spod all installed. This seems like it would be a standard combo on built-out rigs so I'm hoping I can find advice on making the whole package fit.

My current thoughts are:
Dual batteries in stock location
- How well does this fit?
- More weight on drivers side

Second battery on passenger side radiator area hole
- Forces relocation of other bits

Second battery in passenger side firewall area hole
- competes with ideal space for compressor

Compressor in passenger side firewall area hole
- no readily available turnkey mounting bracket
- competes with second battery

Compressor in driver side firewall area hole
- competes with Spod/distribution block

I'm in a bit of time crunch to get the compressor mounted before a trip at the end of the month so my wrenching/fabricating time is very limited. Right now I'm thinking I might just go with the Slee mount for a fast solution and reevaluate if I end up needing the Spod.

 

[weeeee]

I had something typed out until I realized what you said about a ready made compressor bracket (so essentially you wanted something off the shelf).

I think Kodiak makes an off-the-shelf dual battery setup with smaller Odyssey batteries in the stock location. These are nice, but pricey ($800+ IIRC) for the size of the batteries. Bandi makes a relocation kit that sits the compressor over relocated smog equipment near the passenger firewall, opening up the passenger side radiator area. I think [MENTION=103699]lipek[/MENTION] has this if I remember correctly. Have you thought about relocating the compressor to the rear passenger area? [MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] did this. That will eliminate most of your problems and open up more space in the engine bay.

Alternatively, you can also evaluate your power needs. I'm currently running a single Odyssey Group 31 in the stock location. I really liked this because of how simple it is (no need to relocate anything, buy battery trays, run wiring, or buy relocation kits, etc). In theory, this should have enough juice to provide power to my fridge/freezer for 2 days without a solar panel and I still have enough power to restart my engine.

Check out my build thread for more details- I have some info on the battery I used and the relay box. I'm also running a 100W solar panel to supplement my charging.

 

[reece04]

I was having the exact same issue you are. I have the ARB twin compressor and I want it in the engine bay. I had my battery on the passenger side firewall and I hated it, it was not sturdy, and I have read about people snapping the little bolt lugs off the wheel well from the weight of the battery.

Just this weekend, I did the Shrockworks dual battery pump relocation, and I just put up some pictures http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/219663-reece04-build-thread.html

This opens up some room on the passenger side firewall, plenty if you wanted to put your Spod there, closer to the battery.

I am looking at the slee mount as well, but i also found this one... I need to contact them for the cost. The ARB twin compressor | rockyour4x4.com

Slee makes great products, and both of these take up the same area.

hope that helps some,

 

[Liquidmantis]

I had something typed out until I realized what you said about a ready made compressor bracket (so essentially you wanted something off the shelf).

Yeah, I don't have enough free time before this upcoming trip to get creative unfortunately, unless there's a straightforward mounting method with some standard metal stock.

I think Kodiak makes an off-the-shelf dual battery setup with smaller Odyssey batteries in the stock location. These are nice, but pricey ($800+ IIRC) for the size of the batteries. Bandi makes a relocation kit that sits the compressor over relocated smog equipment near the passenger firewall, opening up the passenger side radiator area. I think [MENTION=103699]lipek[/MENTION] has this if I remember correctly.

Thanks! I'll have to look into these options.

Have you thought about relocating the compressor to the rear passenger area? [MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] did this. That will eliminate most of your problems and open up more space in the engine bay.

Yeah, that's exactly what I'd like to do, it's just the fabrication issue.

Alternatively, you can also evaluate your power needs. [...] I'm also running a 100W solar panel to supplement my charging.

My problem is that I work from home so the truck doesn't get started daily. But I'd like to keep the fridge stocked with cool IPAs ... because. I suppose I could set up a battery tender or something though. I'm definitely planning to add solar for top-off charging while camping. In addition, I'm looking into the feasibility of using one of these lithium jump starters as a portable power pack for a fridge.

I was having the exact same issue you are. I have the ARB twin compressor and I want it in the engine bay. I had my battery on the passenger side firewall and I hated it, it was not sturdy, and I have read about people snapping the little bolt lugs off the wheel well from the weight of the battery.

Just this weekend, I did the Shrockworks dual battery pump relocation, and I just put up some pictures http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/219663-reece04-build-thread.html

This opens up some room on the passenger side firewall, plenty if you wanted to put your Spod there, closer to the battery.

I am looking at the slee mount as well, but i also found this one... I need to contact them for the cost. The ARB twin compressor | rockyour4x4.com

Thanks for all that! The symmetry of the battery in that spot appeals to my OCD more than any other solution. I also just came across someone mounting the Spod in that passenger firewall hole, which I guess becomes a better location anyway when running dual batteries. And that would get the combination of all three add-ons installed.

Slee is just up the road so I'll go with them if I put the compressor on the driver firewall, assuming their mount is available.

 

[rigtec]

Hi Liquidmantis,

I think if I were to engage myself in a project like that one and had a question I'd check the [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] thread first or give him a shout. I think a while back I remember seeing one of his posts where he was doing some compressor piping with gauges in his truck (with photos); nice neat work!

'Best to you'!

 

[sovat4r]

While I have my dual compressor in the passenger firewall location (on a Leroy / Bandi mount), I mounted my SPod directly to the top of my fuse box lid. After looking at every possible mount around the engine bay, it was by far the simplest / cleanest method and has held up extremely well. It actually turned out to be very stout (and I think it was even referenced in the FJ specific install instructions). What this does is leave the space beyond against the drivers firewall for your potential compressor location. I use that space for coiling/hiding extra length of wire, access to the firewall knockout, etc. and while I could see a compressor mount there, it doesn't leave you any extra room to work with.

 

[Liquidmantis]

While I have my dual compressor in the passenger firewall location (on a Leroy / Bandi mount), I mounted my SPod directly to the top of my fuse box lid.

I was looking at that option but wasn't sure about clearance. Good to know that it fits! How do you go about ensuring access to the fuse box though? Just leave enough slack in the Spod harness to be able to shift it out of the way?

 

[sovat4r]

I was looking at that option but wasn't sure about clearance. Good to know that it fits! How do you go about ensuring access to the fuse box though? Just leave enough slack in the Spod harness to be able to shift it out of the way?

Yes, there is no issue with hood clearance and plenty of line allowing you to easily remove your box lid with the SPod on top. Good luck!

 

[LawnDart]

I had to make a similar choice and adding the compressor, which I use on almost every trip, was worth more than a second battery. Especially since on longer trips I carry a solar panel setup and one of those battery pack jumper boxes.

 

[Okki]

Hi Liquidmantis,

I think if I were to engage myself in a project like that one and had a question I'd check the [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] thread first or give him a shout. I think a while back I remember seeing one of his posts where he was doing some compressor piping with gauges in his truck (with photos); nice neat work!

'Best to you'!

I ran a line to the back of my truck and have a gauge and chuck there. Details in my build thread.

Okki

 

[Jhalko]

I was looking at that option but wasn't sure about clearance. Good to know that it fits! How do you go about ensuring access to the fuse box though? Just leave enough slack in the Spod harness to be able to shift it out of the way?

I wanted to keep easy access for anything so I put my Spod just behind the factory fuse box mounted to the side. It's perfect. I have the ckma12 sitting in my garage to go in but I'll make a plate for it to go on the passenger side. Considering future bumper/winch options before I commit to which side of the air box.

 

[rigtec]

I ran a line to the back of my truck and have a gauge and chuck there. Details in my build thread.

Okki

Oh, maybe it was your work that I remember seeing, or do both of you have pneumatic lines in your truck's?

PS: I'm having another 'Senior' moment! hwell: Nice work btw!

Best

 

[Sig_Fan_55]

Not sure if he is still making them but a forum member makes a nice mount if you decide to put the compressor in the passenger side firewall area.

FS - 5th Gen ARB Twin Compressor Mount(Pass Eng Compartment) - $100 - Pt Pleasant, NJ
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?t=209594


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[Liquidmantis]

Slee's bracket apparently doesn't work on '16s so this weekend I ended up fabricating a bracket out of some aluminum angle. No pictures of the mount because it's very much "prototype" quality. Way more time invested in such a simple thing than I would have liked because the space is limited and that compressor is a dense little ****er, making it awkward to work with.

While I look like I lost a fight with a feral cat, I've got a solid ad hoc solution now. I'll order the Bandi mount after I get back from vacation and reinstall later with that pro quality bracket and a tank. I'm going to get my kids some inflatable kayaks so air will be awesome.

 

[cjacob316]

I have the Bandi, it's a great mount. I only have the single compressor so I had to drill some extra holes. When I started to read this, it had me wishing I knew about the slee mount because it would fit my compressor and fuse block, but if it doesn't fit the more recent models then nevermind.

 

[Liquidmantis]

I have the Bandi, it's a great mount. I only have the single compressor so I had to drill some extra holes. When I started to read this, it had me wishing I knew about the slee mount because it would fit my compressor and fuse block, but if it doesn't fit the more recent models then nevermind.

I emailed Slee about the mount, which is when I found out it doesn't fit the '16, and Cristo said they have an updated batch on order and it should be in "any day". I'll hopefully be going by in a day or two to get a better switch for my compressor and I can see if there are any updates.

 

[acolle]

I had something typed out until I realized what you said about a ready made compressor bracket (so essentially you wanted something off the shelf).

I think Kodiak makes an off-the-shelf dual battery setup with smaller Odyssey batteries in the stock location. These are nice, but pricey ($800+ IIRC) for the size of the batteries. Bandi makes a relocation kit that sits the compressor over relocated smog equipment near the passenger firewall, opening up the passenger side radiator area. I think [MENTION=103699]lipek[/MENTION] has this if I remember correctly. Have you thought about relocating the compressor to the rear passenger area? [MENTION=68685]Ducmonsta[/MENTION] did this. That will eliminate most of your problems and open up more space in the engine bay.

Alternatively, you can also evaluate your power needs. I'm currently running a single Odyssey Group 31 in the stock location. I really liked this because of how simple it is (no need to relocate anything, buy battery trays, run wiring, or buy relocation kits, etc). In theory, this should have enough juice to provide power to my fridge/freezer for 2 days without a solar panel and I still have enough power to restart my engine.

Check out my build thread for more details- I have some info on the battery I used and the relay box. I'm also running a 100W solar panel to supplement my charging.

I'm thinking I might do the Odyssey Group 31 in the stock location as well... How long you been running this set-up, Weeeee?

 

[Liquidmantis]

[MENTION=55765]cjacob316[/MENTION] I don't know if you were considering swapping out the Bandi mount for some reason, but I went by Slee today to grab a switch for the compressor and talked to them about their mount. There was indeed an issue with '16s, the captured nuts on the fender were moved. They redesigned their bracket though and just got the new ones in stock.

Also, just as a general comment, that was my first time in Slee and I was really impressed with them. I must've spent at least 15 minutes talking with the sales manager about my build plans and lift recommendations.

 

[potts.mike]

Any pics of these Spods in a 5th gen?

 

[cjacob316]

[MENTION=55765]cjacob316[/MENTION] I don't know if you were considering swapping out the Bandi mount for some reason, but I went by Slee today to grab a switch for the compressor and talked to them about their mount. There was indeed an issue with '16s, the captured nuts on the fender were moved. They redesigned their bracket though and just got the new ones in stock.

Also, just as a general comment, that was my first time in Slee and I was really impressed with them. I must've spent at least 15 minutes talking with the sales manager about my build plans and lift recommendations.

Thanks for the heads up. Right now, no, I'm not going to do it immediately, but I may some day. Right now my fuse block is on my stock fuse block cover. I'm sure at some point I'm going to want to move it.