I'm replacing my r12 a/c system and converting to r134 in my 88 Bronco. My current r12 a/c hasn't worked in a few years. A friend at a local shop checked it out and said that everything needed replacing, compressor,dryer & orfice tube. Just wondering if it is possible to do over the weekend. I know I will have to pay someone to recharge it with r134. I'm pretty sure there is no r12 left in it but I think there is a low pressure switch somewhere that prevents the compressor from engaging when low on freon. Is it safe to do in my driveway or should I just pay someone to do it all? I was under the impression that I could just unbolt & replace everything then take it somewhere to get it charged. My 99 F150 needs $750 worth of clutch work done that I know I can't do so I'm trying to make daily driving as comfortable as possible here in Louisiana until I can get the work done on my 99 F150. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Scott

 

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why do you need to replace it all? just find the leak fix it replace the drier and fill it up with r134a and oil. use a poe oil. you can even fill it with r134a too.

 

Compressor is gone. Just trying to do it right the first time. Everything except the evaporator is original.
Scott

 

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Have an '83 that ran for many years with a dead A/C system. The clutch was bad, so the compressor didn't run. When I started working on it, I found that there was no freon in the system due to someone removing one of the hoses from the compressor and leaving it loose. Instead of messing with the clutch, I replaced the compressor and clutch with one from another Ford. Perfect fit.

Pulled a vacuum with my pump. It took awhile. I let it sit there overnight with the vacuum. No leaks. Filled it up with R134 the next morning. Accidentally put 2 cans of oil into it. Ran it for about a week this way with not-enough freon in it. It cooled, but was not cold. In the meantime, the compressor got smoother and smoother running. Removed the condenser and dumped out the excess oil, and had a friend clean it with solvent. replaced the O rings, and added freon. It now is cold. At 90 degrees outside, the air temp inside is about 45 degrees. The point here is that I have been told for years that I need to replace the dryer when the system has been open for a long time. This truck system was open for about 5 years. I've been running it for a bit over a year and it is doing very well. I'll be honest and let the forum members know if something happens to my system in the future.