2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission where to buy

[RConner]

I have been putting it off for 2 years now and I have finally decided to fix my ac. I need a new compressor and evaporator. Any recomendations on where I can get the best price. The dealer quoted me $850. 00 for labor and freon and $457. 80 for the compressor, and $235. 20 for the evaporator and $39. 34 for the belt. Any input would be appreciated.



I still think this should be a warranty issue. I think we should start a poll and send it to dodge!

 

[DSeamans]

I got mine from NAPA 1 1/2 years ago and they were a heck uf a lot cheaper than that. Its really easy to change. It took me about two hours including charging. You can get the charging equipment from NAPA also for around $50. Some compressors come loader with oil, others dont. If it does, pour it out and measure it and make sure the total amount is in the system. I don't know where you live, but most, if not all states let you buy the small cans of freon otc. If you decide to do it and need more help, let us know!

 

[RConner]

Did you change your evaporator and compressor? If so did you have to remove your dash? I believe I read about how to do this in the TDR a while ago. You don't happen to know what issue it was.

 

[Suprmn]

If you are going to have your system that far down, I would really consider doing the evaporator too. And yes, you have to pull the dash to get to it. I had my truck into the dealer for a recharge, and before I knew it we were up to a $1000 bill. The 2nd gens can suck debris into the heater box and it clogs the bottom of the evaporator. That in turn holds moisture which causes the evaporator to corrode and leak. Mine was in bad shape when they pulled it out. The dealer said this was a real common sight. The air intake is on the passenger side under the cowl where the wipers go. I am not sure if its possible to look down that hole and check the condition of your evaporator before digging into it, but it would be worth a try.

 

[MCummings]

I pick up alot of parts off ebay... just don't buy used AC parts.



Merrick

 

[RConner]

The whole reason of me doing this is because the evaporator is leaking. For a while I put freon in it and it would last for about two weeks, but now only a day and in return it seized up the compressor.

 

[FLynes]

You can access your evaporator box from inside using, IIRC, an 8mm wrench. It's a tight fit, but it is doable. You'll be able to feel inside to see if there's any debris. It will at least give you an idea whether you need to replace the evaporator or not. I clean mine out twice a year... . PITA, but good preventive maintenance.

 

[RDMueller]

You can access your evaporator box from inside using, IIRC, an 8mm wrench. It's a tight fit, but it is doable. You'll be able to feel inside to see if there's any debris. It will at least give you an idea whether you need to replace the evaporator or not. I clean mine out twice a year... . PITA, but good preventive maintenance.

How do you go about cleaning it out? How long does it take?

 

[RDMueller]

Oh, and as for where to buy a/c parts, check this one out:

Automotive Air Conditioning Parts | Auto Air Online.com



their prices are pretty good and they have all the parts you need.

 

[FLynes]

How do you go about cleaning it out? How long does it take?

I used my fingers and felt around... lucky for me, there wasn't anything there, but I imagine you'd be able to scoop out the crap... or you could find an attachment for a vacuum.



Good luck with it.