Adding A/C system...how difficult???
 

I am looking at purchasing a used system from a 94 v6 5sp. How hard is it to do the add in and what are the parts needed? Also, is there a self help, or link to the instruction on putting the system together?

Thanks in advance.

If you search you will find a ton of info.

Done that. Just looking for more info or write ups...thats all.

If you've searched, then you have found any write ups on the site. Unless you are expecting someone to do a write up since you asked.

Here is what I did: remove or unmount the power steering pump. Install bracket and compressor. Install condenser and receiver in front of radiator (I removed the grill and loosened the radiator). Install the evaporator in place of the "tube" in the cab. (the tube is really a big huge plastic box after the heater and blower). Connect the wiring to the evaporator (cooling unit). Install the switch in the dash. Hook up the wires to the compressor and run all your lines.

Anyways, it took about a day to complete the whole thing in the pouring rain outside. I did it on mine with an aftermarket kit. I DON'T recommend doing it that way. Cost way more than it should have, doesn't work that well (not sure if the stock stuff is better?), and if I ever have a part go out, I don't have a clue where I will get a replacement part. Just buy the parts from a junk yard. You can get a new or used compressor from the parts store, and everything else from the junk yard.

You should replace all the o-rings when you do it. Not only because they are old, but because they might be designed for the older refrigerant. You'll only be able to get the new stuff unless you pay out the butt for the good stuff somewhere on the net.

Here is the layout in the manual:
http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b.../3systemco.pdf

You'll need:
Compressor
Condenser
Evaporator
Receiver
Lines
Switch

Thanks for the information...will look into it to see if its worth the hassle.

make sure you have a NEW receiver drier and if you are getting parts from the junk yard, make sure they're clean, if not flush everything!

buy one with ac

Yeah, if I was to do it over again, I would only use the lines and bracket from the junkyard and get all the other stuff from the parts store. That way you know you aren't putting junk on your stuff.

Buying one with a/c is always an option, but not if you live in certain areas (like the northwest) where a/c isn't common or really needed. If you are lucky enough to find a truck with a/c in similar condition, it will most likely need a flush and a charge, or it will need components replaced and you are back in the same position, but you've paid the price of transferring titles and registrations and have a vehicle you might not want. That is the great thing about owning a vehicle for a long time, I know just about everything that has been done to it, and I rarely have surprises where I wonder what the previous owner was thinking.