I've searched/read about the conversion, still have a few questions:

1) I'm getting a new drier/accumulator and hoses. Do they need to be 134 specific, or are they universal, whether R12 or 134?

2) Other than the schraeders, is there any other "part" or hardware that needs to be replaced for the conversion?

Other than that, I got the lowdown on the rest of the process from the search function.

Thanks,

Qdude

 

In theory No other parts are required. The only other thing you need is lubricating oil, but all the R-134A cans have oil already. However don't expect it to work as well without an exoansion valve and condensor designed for R-134A

 

Which won't cost you much, BTW, for the expansion valve...
For My Truck

The condenser will set you back a tad perhaps, still not bad:
Parallel Condenser

Measure your existing and match it. Or so the fella tells me. I fully expect to find my mysterious leak in the evaporator, which (if there is a bunch of green stuff in there) will set me back another $43.58.

I can only imagine what it would cost to have someone else do all this.

 

I can tell you what it would cost to retrofit at the dealership: $2012.13. That's with a 10% discount btw. (although the PO had a battery acid leak that went through my high pressure A/C line and let mold grow throughout just about the entire system).

*sigh* The things I do for comfort. At least I don't have to peel myself out of the leather seats anymore.

 

So any drier and AC hoses I get for my Runner will work with either R12 or 134? Parts stores don't seem to list any designation between the two...

PS- I WILL go with the updated expansion valve and condenser (as I think the OE one has a leak anyhow). In CenCal heat, I want that puppy as efficient as possible. Thanks Chili. Thanks all...

 

R12 and R134 are not compatible because the oils in them are not compatible. The hoses do not care what you run. Ideally you would clean everything out before you convert to R134 but I doubt that most people take the time and money to do that. The oil keeps the compressor lubricated so if you mix the oils you can harm the compressor.

 

Before you go the 134 route, see if you can find a commercial refrigeration tech and ask about R410, fully compatable with R12 oild and seals. I converted my 84PU and 86 runner and all is fine. Costa about 8 per lb.
Tim

 

I went to aoto zone,bought the change over "kit".system will cool as cold as you can stand it.Kit had 134 & schrader valve adapters & guage to charge with.didnt change any parts.have done 3 to 4 others the same way at the dealer I work-so far so good.mine is a 91 4runner.did changeover 2 summers ago.