I have been on the fence for a long time, either remove the non working factory AC, let a buddy try his luck at a simple conversion keeping the York compressor, or convert using a Sanden compressor kit (76-79 F-Series Truck/78-79 Bronco AC Compressor Kit V8 STAGE-1 | Original Air Group). I know it was working before it simply run real low on R-12. It run low because it is a York compressor and the truck does sit, it's never been a "daily driver". Until I put the AC in in 1986, it only had heat, defrost, and vents. My scripted controls & the heater core, are from a '73 wreck, the other items are from a '79 super crew. I used a new drier and new condenser then too. I even took the belt off last year. I often just use open windows in my other vehicles, but if it gets humid enough out I'll run AC. Back when I did the swap, I cut the holes, etc and put in the larger super cool radiator for a F350 with 400.

I hate to do a lot of work just converting to keep the Youk compressor, it's heavy and it'll leak again. My buddy says he's done a few with good results, but he admitted they often leak down again. If that was my only alternative, I'd just unhook the hoses, tape then up and stash them down the fender ... and just remove the items like compressor, mounts, condenser, receiver, and store them. I was telling my Wife about the Sanden conversion, she asked why none of our other cars or the red truck doesn't ever need charging. I explained. She's all for me doing the Sanden conversion.

I know the kit comes with two large hoses that connect to the compressor, but the liquid hose is smaller and a pretty robust plastic like material. I'm wondering now if can go this route but wonder if that hose can be reused after a flush along with the condenser and evaporator coils and maybe the thermostatic switch? Wife is for it. and my buddy says I'll love the smoothness, quietness, and lower power required.

I know some here have done this ... so let me ask ... did you replace the switch and fluid hose ... or keep the originals?

 

I've done the OA Sanden kit on 2 of these rigs now and I love it. the only regret I have was wasting time and money on the Yorks.

 

The sanden compressor is much smother and effcient'

 

And it works much better with R134a than a York. .

 

Well, I was gonna spring for the Sanden kit mentioned above. I have a couple cases R134 purchased on a commercial sale at work at Advance, I can get a new expansion valve locally, I'm pretty sure my small diameter / long liquid hose is perfectly fine. As I mowed the grass, I give it a lot more thought. I have reached the point, it is either delete the AC or go for the Sanden. Wife wants the AC Wife wins. Well, fudge ... I thought I'd order and it says "PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO RELOCATION OF WAREHOUSE, ORDER WILL BE PROCESSED FEBRUARY 15TH." ... unknown what year ... so I guess it will have to wait after all ... I see they are closed right now, likely at least through Monday, maybe even Tuesday.

 

You will need to evacuate the system and add compressor oil. It's been said you hoses wont work but I believe they will.

 

Oh yes, I have two close friends of many years both that say the same, but I was thinking of going for the Sanden compressor swap kit, but I'm gonna look at maybe brackets and at least swapping a Sanden in, new drier and the expansion valve. I would need to adapt my suction and discharge hoses to the Sanden likely. For sure, if I get it working, the York will be history. I don't need or expect ice cold AC, some "just cool" air on a warm day will more than make for a happy Wife.

Updated 05-28-2023:

Well, I again talked to both my local best buddy AC guys, one last night and one today, to seek their opinions. Without me telling either what the other said, both were essentially of the same opinion considering my likely not taking long trips in the '77, to keep the York and just do a retrofit with new O-rings, fittings, rcvr. drier, expansion valve ... after a good flush, vac, etc. One suggested a new or reman York or resealing the shaft of mine ... the other suggested just trying it as is first.

Both agreed that likely the biggest reason for it leaking down was long parking periods of no use. I know that as a child, my Dad was particular to run our car AC for short periods even in the cold months. I mentioned that I had a bunch of R134 on hand when it was mentioned it was easy to get, that just made the one even more certain. It was mentioned tome that we could then top it off yearly if need, or even put new hoses on if they needed them. I called a third this afternoon who lives an hour away, one whom I essentially grew up through my "toad years" with. He's been into AC along with other car repairs, etc since the '70s when we were running together.

I had convinced myself to go Sanden, but really, I'm only using the truck locally and at 50 mph or so avoiding interstate travel, and likely never over about 60 mph. Between them all 3 ... they have about totally swung me back to keeping the York.