2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Air Conditioning Question

[surfbeetle]

So I have had some intermittent issues with the A/C not coming on. I finally went under the truck to check things out and noticed that the compressor has a crack on the small flat spring (not sure if that's the right term). So I figured with 195,000 miles on the original compressor, it's time to replace it. I found this one on JC Whitney:

Replacement Air Conditioner Compressors - JCWhitney



I figure that for the money, I would install it myself and then take it to a local shop that will charge me about $100. 00 to evacuate and fill the system. Anyone know of a better compressor or better place to get one?

Thanks

 

[budnate]

dont buy anything from them, best junk in the world for sure! call Napa.

 

[surfbeetle]

dont buy anything from them, best junk in the world for sure! call Napa.

I wouldn't say that, I got a Weber carb for my vw from them, I got Air Lift Air Bags for my truck from them. You can't make a blanket statement like that since much of their inventory is name brand stuff, you have to know what you are buying. Since I don't know about the A/C compressors, I posted here to ask. As for Napa, yes they have lots of great stuff, but ask my cousin who does suspension and front end work for a living, he'll tell you to avoid Napa's ball joints and front end parts.

 

[budnate]

Surf do what you like I wouldnt buy it online, what if it done work you get to ship it back whith your truck tore down, thats a peice I would buy locally if it was me,



as for HF I bought plenty over the years from them always was junk crap when it got here, it was worse than the china crap we get today.

 

[firefighter_2000]

Sanden

A few years ago a friend of mine with a 95 had his compressor broke. We bought a brand new sanden on ebay for about 300 bucks. He's since put close to 300k miles on it and its still going strong. I'd watch ebay and go ahead & try to find a new OEM unit. My truck has 251k and the original compressor still is just as cold as ever. Dont by reman crap on jc whitney or oreilleys... Spend the money and time fixing it now instead of later.

Craig

 

[surfbeetle]

Bud, You mention HF, do you mean Harbor Freight, if so then yes, they carry cheap stuff. As for JC Whitney, not always the case, you have to look for name brands.



Fire, I'll look for a Sanden. My uncle has a car repair business and can get me anything that I need, but he deals in mostly foreign and not much on the TDR side so I need to tell him what I need ordered. I was using the JC Whitney link as a starting point as I don't know what is good when it comes to A/C.



Thanks all for your comments

 

[firefighter_2000]

Ebay

Take a look around on ebay. Thats where we bought the one for his truck. I took a quick look earlier tonight and there are several on there. Even some for your year model. Look up "dodge cummins compressor" and you'll find a lot of results. Just make sure and research what you're buying before you put in that bid!!

Good luck man!!



Craig

 

[VicR]

I had a local shop replace the compressor - they put on a junk 4- Seasons unit that lasted less then 6k miles. That was an expensive lesson on not buying aftermarket parts. You can get a mopar (sanden) online from a reputable dealer reasonably. If you intend to keep the truck spend the extra couple of bucks now and then you don't worry about it. -Vic

 

[DieselDoghouse]

I too have gotten some really good stuff, and some really BAD stuff from JCW - compared to the 1970's they are much better since the Warshawsky family took them over. The real problem is wherever you buy - what kind of warranty are you getting?? Since the A/C comp has alot of R&R time involved its a do-it-once situation, not like a hub cap that tarnishes quickly or a mis-fit steering wheel cover!!