The A/C compressor in my '99 is getting weak, so I'm looking into replacing it (new - not refurb) along with the dryer and orifice tube to do it properly while I'm at it. On RockAuto, Motorcraft parts come out to $283.84 where I can get a Four Seasons kit that includes all of those components for $151.79. I know there are plenty of Motorcraft fanboys here, but I wanted to see get some thoughts on one vs the other and if it's worth twice the money for Motorcraft when the Four Seasons might be just as good.

 

Zero difference, the four seasons and the motorcraft I bought last year had the same casting Mark's, same origin of Mexico and also had the casting date in the same area. Only difference was the sticker. The warranty is better on the motorcraft but do far so good. Make sure you get the accumulator and orifice tube. Also check your condenser condition. Mine was past its prime and a new one was 80.00 and well worth it.

 

I am about to do the same on my truck. Except I will possibly be changing all the major parts while I have it open. I can tell you I priced out the difference between NAPA and FORD and it was just over 200 dollars difference. Ford doesn't carry a "new" compressor, they sell a remanufactured on for 367. NAPA sells a new OE manufactured for 200. I was going to do the NAPA compressor and FORD everything else and then go to O'reilly or AutoZone for a gasket kit. AutoZone is $10 and O'reilly is $20. I think for the difference in price, you just assume do Ford parts, but I have also been curious with how good 4seasons parts are.

 

You have to remember, the lowest bidder made the parts for Ford. So, someone and it might have been Four Seasons, made the parts for Ford.

 

That's not always true. There are a lot of things Motorcraft better than typical aftermarket, some of the supplier tier systems are Assembly Line/Motorcraft Service/Aftermarket private label. You can in the aftermarket get the same parts supplier as Motorcraft, but not always. And in some aftermarket situations where extensive tooling and back engineering is required, the aftermarket companies get a private label from the original OE manufacturer. It gets pretty wild.

My old company had to upgrade its aftermarket tooling and specs to be able to be a Motorcraft supplier for some parts, while it was already supplying the same application for the assembly line. The lower spec stuff that failed Motorcraft went to its aftermarket brand.

Four seasons is a brand under Standard Motor Products. It sells nothing to OE, but it will get parts private labeled from another supplier, which is probably the Ford OE supplier in this situation.

 

Have had good luck w/ Four Seasons AC components fr RockAuto. While you have the AC open, I would change out that 20 year old evaporator, assuming it has not been replaced recently. Very easy to change out the AC evap on a '99, about 45 minutes. And the cost is next to nothing.