2007, 5.9 A/C compressor seized

[Motorhead]

Just got back from a week trip, 1000 miles and today, at idle, I engaged the A/C compressor and it seized! I have babied the A/C compressor..... only turning it on at idle for the first time of any drive I needed it.
I have the 7 yr, 100000 mi extended powertrain warranty. Is that covered?
My truck has 59,950 miles on it!

So I figure I will have to replace it myself. Which is the BEST compressor replacement? 4 SEASONS?
I looked up some kits with new compressors and they show a liquid tube.
I plan to replace the receiver drier, clean the system, install a new compressor (not rebuilt) and I guess the liquid tube.
I also am looking to modify the suction line to put a small liquid "catch reservoir" just before the compressor. I have read that because the compressor is at the bottom of the engine that the compressor is prone to hydro-locking at initial start of the compressor.

SO... . Where is the best and cost effective place to buy OE or better quality A/C parts?
It's been 106 degrees here and a pee poor time to lose the A/C! :{

 

[jgillott]

The only time I had to haul our '04. 5 home was when the compressor seized and blew the belt off 100 miles from the house. Of course, it did it in the middle of the winter and I really didn't feel like fixing it on the side of the road. I went with an OE compressor since it was the only one available in stock that day locally. First one made it ~300K so I was pretty confident in the replacement.

I've been worried about the one in my '07 for a few years now. It makes a pretty hard clunk under the truck on engagement at times, especially after sitting a few days.

 

[Motorhead]

That hard clunk is supposedly a hydro lock momentarily as the Freon has settled as a liquid in the compressor. That is what hastened mine. My compressor had a whine to it for about two years but not a loud whine.

 

[RVTRKN]

Install a crankcase heater to the bottom of the compressor, I'm going to look into this myself. I never like to hear the clunk, and both of my CTD have the same clunk. Refrigerant does not like heat and will not settle in the compressor if warmer than the rest of the system. I WOULD NOT install an accumulator on the suction line. In an automotive application there is no oil sump in the compressor and relies on the refrigerant carrying the oil back to the compressor. An accumulator might prevent that by allowing the oil to settle in the accumulator, because the velocity will slow down inside it, and the system depends on the velocity. It never occurred to me that was liquid causing that noise, thanks Motorhead.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I heard mixed reports on Four Seasons. I chose Denso, an OEM supplier. See TDR Issue 77, p. 89 for more information.

 

[Regcabguy]

I would think you'd be covered if you've got the Mopar supported MaxCare.