Sadly that's my thought, too. I'll have to invest in a pair of ramps to get under the car, and I'm pretty sure my tools will prove inadequate, and I'm absolutely certain that I'll swear entirely too much while fighting rusty bolts, but beer at the end of the day will be delicious . Ahhh, I wasn't very specific earlier. The new expansion valve and receiver drier are simple enough to replace? I ask because I can't see them at this time. Thanks.

 

You will not be changing that out. Just the compressor and gaskets

 

Interesting. Why not the receiver drier and expansion valve?

 

I'm having the same issues with my 94. Pretty much exact same scenario, so I'm following your thread.

I was under the impression that to replace the compressor the dryer would need to be replaced since you're opening the system up to the atmosphere.

You can get a "rental tool" vacuum pump at Autozone to vacuum down the system after you get it back together, then charge yourself.

 

The reason why you can not find it is because it sits behind the dashboard. If you are willing try it then go do it. But you only replace the expansion valve it fails. Your compressor failed so no need to go through the hassle of changing something that is working. You will be fine.

 

Jeepwm69. That is the reason to vacuum for an hour once the new compressor is in. To get rid of any moisture that might have been introduced to the system and make sure there is no leak.

 

You can not assume the compressor is getting power. You have to test for power to the compressor with a test light to make sure there is enough current reaching the compressor clutch coil.

It is a simple test. Unplug the electrical connector to the compressor. Use a test light to ground. Turn on the a/c system with the engine running. See if the test light turns on. A volt meter would work as a first test, but the test light is more definitive because it draws more current.

You could assume the clutch is getting power, replace the compressor/clutch (kind of a pain to replace), and find out that you had a bad relay or broken wire as your problem.