Factory AC has always run very strong. A few months ago I drove home from work and the AC wasn't working. Next day, it worked fine. I just brushed it off and went on my merry way.

FFW to today, I go to run an errand and it's not working again. Light on button is lit, I hear a load on the engine when button is pressed, blowing fine, but no cold air.

I make my first stop and get back in, still no cold air.

I get to PF Chang to get my food and turn the truck off for 10 min. Lo and behold, when I start back up to go home, cold air.

So, I know the freon and compressor is good since it has the ability to cool very well. Some time ago I did replace a VCV related to the AC, but I can't remember which one.

What could cause this intermittant issue with an otherwise well cooling system?

Forgot to add, 95 pickup with 22R-E

 

Is it possible the load you are hearing is the condenser fan starting up?
Make sure the compressor clutch is locking up, if you look at it while the engine is running you can see when it locks/unlocks.
I have only worked on A/C a little (Alaskans don't need A/C unless we are on vacation) but I suspect the pressures are low and you need a recharge. There's a low pressure cutout switch.
Changes in temperature effect the pressures so sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Probably works when the underhood temperature is highest, that would explain your PF Chang experience.
you stopped and everything under the hood sat there heat soaking, raised the pressures and viola, chilly willy.

 

I'll have to look at the clutch. I don't think this system has a separate condenser fan.

 

Every A/C equipped car I have ever looked at had an electric condenser fan or dual cooling fans on the radiator that one would come on when the A/C kicked on.
My 95 4runner has one in front of the radiator behind the grill.

 

From what I recall, the 4Runners of this vintage do have a separate condenser fan, but the pickup trucks don't. They have to rely on the main engine cooling fan.

Or at least that is what I thought.

 

That is correct for my 92 pickup, no 2nd fan for the condenser.

 

Yeah, I took a look and there's no fan for the condenser -- probably because of the smaller cabin volume.

The coil for AC is in front of the engine radiator (and almost as big).

Today the AC blew nice and cold on first drive of the day. I guess I'll just have to wait until it consistently fails to get it properly diagnosed

 

My 86 SR5 22RE does not have a condenser fan. I know this as I replaced the radiator and there was no fan. Have a engine mounted fan that pulls air through both the radiator and condenser.