Hi there, I know it is a big project but I really need to get some AC going in my 1988 22re. I've done numerous engine/tranny swaps - replaced the heater core on my '88 so I am certainly capable of doing this job but the only thing stopping me is finding the correct parts. I'm transferring to UC Davis in the fall and will be living there for the next 2 years so I really could use the AC while I'm down there. The truck in question is a bone stock 1988 22re and here is the current climate control setup:




I'm mainly looking for someone to sell me the parts off of a 1988 that did have AC, and I'm willing to pull the parts myself if the truck is a reasonable distance from me. In terms of finding a truck, it's nearly impossible without asking forum members here. Any Toyota truck these days, even if it is not running, commands a significant price. Pick n Pull doesn't seem possible either, I don't see any old Yotas going in the yards anymore. So if anyone has a lead on a 1988 parts truck with factory AC I would be so stoked to get those parts. I will likely have the hoses redone and new compressor, condenser etc.

As far as the interchangeability between years and models, I really have no idea what to look for, I have seen that the wiring is slightly different though (depending on the year). So if anyone has information about that, I would be super glad to hear.

Here she is, originally sold in Auburn California. Not sure why it came with no AC, must have been much cooler back then in that part of California. Now, not so much!

 

Also keep in mind that the original A/C system for that year uses R-12 Freon, which will be a problem to obtain.

 

Watch this; I got a lot of good information from this guy. My 88 had AC, but it did not work. I disassembled everything and bought new condenser, pressure switch, evaporator, drier, compressor, converted to R-134A easily and got the low pressure line rebuilt.

part numbers for you:
8871689132 pipe, cooler refrigerant: this is the hardline that connects drier to condenser $29.10
471-0137 Reman DENSO compressor from densoproducts.com $245.51
477-0133 DENSO AC compressor for 88 4runner, also from densoproducts.com $161.20
999-0101 DENSO refrigerant oil from amazon.com $22.77
476-0006 DENSO evap from amazon.com $102.13
475-2086 DENSO expansion valve from amazon.com $17.92
478-0101 DENSO drier-receiver $29.52
Green O-rings from amazon.com $7.49
four cans of R-134 from autozone $30
AC vacuum loaner from autozone $free
AC gauge loaner from autozone $free

 

Trucks built outside the USA got hit with a very high import tax(imported trucks to this day still do, unless it's Canada or Mexico), so Toyota left a lot of things off that could easily be added at the time of sale. So most trucks, except SR5, had no AC when shipped from Japan. Sometimes they would then install at the port, but typically they let the dealer do it. Shoot, most didn’t even have a rear bumper when delivered to the dealer.

I’d think 86-88 should interchange without issue. A very good possibility 84-85 would work, too. I’d get a reman Denso compressor rather than used, along with a new receiver/dryer. Installation is far easier than you might think. You can clean used lines with rubbing alcohol and then blowing clean with compressed air.

Denso has a pretty decent website showing the components they still make for your application.
Denso Find My Part

 

Awesome, thank you Jimkola and itscrazytom. This is some very useful information for me. So as far as I see right now, there are a lot of parts I can buy. It looks like I mainly need the wiring from a donor truck along with the mounting bracket for the compressor and the evaporator box. Do either of you know where I could find a donor truck? Jim, I am in California as well, but I have not really networked much within the local Toyota world.

 

There's a guy on reddit you can contact U/POTENT_SCEPTER. He's got a friend in MN that has a backyard full of toyota pickups. you will also need the bracket from compressor to engine block. Also, you will need the fill port from an old compressor. I had ZERO experience with AC and I was able to rebuild utilizing this website and ChrisFixx videos.

 

Cool I hit him up and we will see if he has anything but I'm kind of feeling like the MN trucks probably wouldn't have AC but you never know where they originally came from. We shall see... Thanks again, I will update this thread as I continue on the truck. For now I'm finishing up my timing chain, head gasket job which is taking me forever. Been cleaning everything and painting brackets etc.

 

Sorry to bump and old thread, but was that 4runner condenser a direct fit in your truck? My 1988 sr5 truck had all new ac components but still doesn't get very cold.

 

Did you use 134?

 

Yes. Once it hits 90 degrees outside it struggles

 

I converted all my Toyota pickups to R134A and they cool great and I'm in Arizona. I used the original condensers and evaporators. Changed the dryers and expansion valves. Changed the seals and used the original hoses. I drained the oil and flushed the system. Used Ester 100 oil. (I use PAG oil if I have new hoses, condenser, evap and compressor) I charge while monitoring the vent temp and stop when cold. It's cold after one 11 or 12 oz can. Whatever the typical cans are. Adding more R134 after that just seems to raise pressures and cool less.

My current build is my 86 Xtra Cab and I'm going to use a modern universal condenser, new hoses and PAG oil. My 88, 91, and my son's 91 still had the original parts when we sold them last year.

Make sure you have a good fan, fan clutch and shroud.

 

It could be over-filled, which would impact cooling. R134a will typically have bubbles in the system after being charged, unlike R12. If someone filled R134 until bubbles were gone it could very well have too much.
It would be worth the time to look up the service valves and get readings.

 

My 86 SR5 came with AC and is R-12. It's still 100% original and holding R12 very well. When new, the center vent temp on recirc in tmie came out 36 degrees, now it's 40 degrees. Only needed it for about 6 weeks in late Summer.

Yes R-12 is getting harder to find, but still more out there than one would imagine. I have stocked up with small cans of real R-12, not substituted, from ebay. Runs about $50 a can w/shipping. Use to need a R-12 certification (I have) to buy it even online, but no one asks for it anymore on ebay.

I would definitely got R-134 if added a new system.
If you go R-12, ensure the system truly holds a vacuum so adding R-12 to it will last a very long time. Just buy a few more cans for down the road if needed.

 

One of the reasons r134a conversions will struggle in high heat is due to the size of the condenser. It is too small for 134a. On the earlier 94 and 95 trucks Toyota had a second smaller condenser that attached to the larger primary condenser. This gave the system the capacity to perform until they redesigned the next gen of trucks.