Originally Posted by
CourierYVR
First of all, thanks to everyone one of you for your opinions and advice. I forgot to mention, the 1993 Aerostar XL Sport 3.0L does NOT have rear AC. There is a decal on the currently installed AC Receiver Drier that says R12 or R134a compatible. I'm not sure what that means? Specifically for Jose A: Thanks. I have done some research in response to your personal experiences and advice. I think you meant to spell Sanden (and not Samden). Anyway, after an extensive amount of research, your advice is well merited. FOUR SEASONS sells the Sanden re-manufactured model SD709. Also there is a
product for about $50 to adapt the swivel arm AC Sanden compressor to any Ford vehicle.
I will keep you updated as soon as I acquire the 10 cents worth of plastic AC hose coupling "tool" at a reasonable price.
if you don't have rear a/c, you are lucky! your system is a lot easier to fix.
Harbor Freight Tools has the coupling separator tool for less. you can order it online and their shipping cost is reasonable, but if you have one of their stores near you, all the better.
go for the Sanden (yes, mispelled), do not buy the FS-10 Ford Compressor, they fry in no time.
if you have R12 & R134a compatible refrigerant, that means you have an Alternative Refrigerant like "Freeze12" or something else in the system. BTW: Freeze12 is a lot better than R134a, you can buy it on eBay but you will need to buy the proper fittings/adapters for it. That's why you have to talk to a specialist.
if you have never worked with a/c refrigerants, my best advice is to leave it to a specialist, refrigerants can make you blind. The job should be easier because you don't have rear a/c so count your blessings.
but most of all, take pictures of the parts you get and create a Gallery Album
so you can link the pics to the posts.
**make sure the adapter bracket works with the 3.0 block mounting. You will have to remove the grille, the condenser, AND the radiator, to install the new compressor and new manifold hose comfortably, though some people can do it from below, it is a pita. But you're replacing the condenser and compressor anyway so the old condenser & compressor have to come out anyway... you also have to replace the Accumulator/Dryer any time you open the system to atmosphere, (Autozone).
I would also recommend you replace the Pressure Switch mounted to the Accumulator/Dryer, (Autozone). so you see the bill keeps mounting but that is the nature of air conditioning, expensive and complicated.
there's lots of things to consider as you can read from all the posts here,