my 2006 superduty’s a/c compressor is shedding crap into the system and slowly plugging up the orifice tube. Looks like the next step is to replace the compressor, condenser, reciever/drier, orifice and misc. orings before a major failure. I’m also going to flush remaining parts (evaporator and hoses) as well as install one of ford’s oem suction filters as an extra precaution.

my question is regarding buying OEM vs. aftermarket. Rockauto has new denso compressors for considerably less than the motorcraft part and condensors are about 1/2 the cost of OEM options as well. I’m not interested in putting a crappy chinese clone in the system since the compressor changeouts are a real Pita but if I can get OEM quality and save some money I’m all for it. Denso makes lots of compressors for japanese cars and is a well known company. Anyone have any experience or thoughts with using them (or another aftermarket mfg’s) instead of motorcraft?

In most cases that’s true but another axiom is “never buy the most expensive or cheapest as you’ll likely spend your money unwisely” ��. Torqy2’s answer is a good example of what I’m desiring to learn. Sounds like the denso and motorcraft are identical except for the label on the side. Was kinda figuring that since they reference similar internal design features (forged plungers, tin plated swashplate, etc). So one could save momey over Motorcraft buy buying the identical item under Denso name.

Also, your point is spot on related to the chinese stuff. It’s really a crapshoot if an item is good quality or just junk. Now I’ve bought some decent stuff made in china before but it’s always a guessing game until it’s in your hands. Price may cheaper but cost more in the long run. When I was younger 4 seasons was quality aftermarket a/c stuff. Now, I’m not so sure as heard more than one person indicate they are just selling overpriced chinese stuff now rebranded under their name.

In the end, I opened up my wallet and went with all motorcraft components for this rebuild as I never (hopefully) want to have to deal with that a/c compressor removal and reinstall again in my lifetime since it’s such a pita to work on. I also learned about Motorcraft’s entry into the “less than OEM quality” arena (see my post under high service level). I was also tempted to go with an autozone unit that had a lifetime warranty but knowing its a cheap chinese knockoff, I was thinking the labor effort to replace it wasn’t worth the value of a free replacement when it craps out.

Well, here’s some additional info. I ordered the motorcraft compressor than decided to buy the denso unit (thinking they were both the same and reading very good reviews on denso units). Recieved both a couple of days ago and compared them side by side. They are definitely not made by the same company. Different castings and zinc plated bolts on the motocraft vs. black oxide coated bolts on the denso. The motorcraft lable shows its made in mexico. My guess is it’s made by sanden but not sure. One this of note is the denso turns very stiffly by hand and is not very smooth. By contrast, the motorcraft is much smoother and easy to turn. In the end, the motorcraft unit seems a little better made so will go with that one. I also recently read that denso was subcontracting some of their mfg out to other companies so maybe the quality may vary depending on who’s building for them? only a small and barely readable denso label was on the unit compared to the motorcraft one that had serial #, build date, etc.