1998 4.2. A/C is completely shot. I need a complete overhaul, evap, dryer, compressor etc. I do a lot of mechanics on my own but this one is over my head. It is about a 1500 dollar job. I know this this idea would be ugly but I have been looking into under the dash a/c kits

They run around 500 bucks and I do not have to remove my dash board. What do you guys think? Has anyone ever done this? I am the only one that drives this truck it is my second vehicle but I do use it often. Miami is real hot!! Any other ideas? I am about to get a wall unit with a generator in the back bed lol!

 

This is interesting. I would be uncomfortable with hose clamps to keep 200+ psi hot refrigerant leak free. Can you use a hose crimper with metal sleeve instead?

 

I've seen two systems hit 400 psi, just this summer.... so yeah, I agree. Hose clamp are not a good idea here. Especially because I am going to assume that said hoses will be in the cab, just from the looks of this kit. Another thing I'm wondering here is... do they have a 6 rib pulley available.

To me, the 1500 is worth it. I had someone question me completely redoing my A/C on mine for 1400ish dollars on a truck that is 21 years old and over 200,000 miles. Like I said - the truck still has plenty of life, and I don't get rid of vehicles for an A/C problem. I'm not tryin' to get another car payment.

 

By the way, what is completely shot? How did it fail? There is a filter between compressor and evaporator, blocking debris from entering the evaporator. You may be able to keep the evaporator.

 

Bad idea.

not hard to fix
Hardest is evap core, but just do it.
just time and $$$

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Everything has a spot and bolts on correctly
unlike that pos you are looking at

Now, you know how much riding arount hot in summer sucks. Fixing ac is best money you can spend . But...do it right. Do not cut corners. Use only new compressor. What really sucks...is to do it again in 9 months because you did crappy job or used cheap parts.

The more $$$ or time consuming the job is, the more important to do it right first time.

 

about 2 years ago, I had to replace my a/c compressor and rec/drier and other related parts. a shop did the work, bill was 1200 bucks. the evap and condenser were good. system has been fine since

 

I had a Ranger about 20 years ago that I bought used, and it had a system that used hose clamps. I was skeptical when I saw it, but I had the truck for 8 years and the a/c worked great the whole time