Updating A/C components to 1989....will it work?

I’m considering updating my A/C components to 1989 spec components.  This includes the compressor, accumulator, orifice, hoses & electrical connectors.  I’d keep the condenser and evaporator.  

Does anyone know of any pitfalls?  Any reasons why this won’t work?

My serpentine swap has caused me to need to replace the unknown compressor.  Along with that, now I’ll need new hoses.  For a few dollars more I can update all the parts and pieces.  All in, for new components it’s like $220 for Four Season brand equipment.  Let me know your thoughts.  

AFAIK the things you listed are pretty close to each other to not make a difference other than if you went from a York compressor to a Sanden.

The change was to the 2 parts you are not changing, condenser & epav.
Because of the 134a used and not working as good as R12 the condenser & epav. were made a little larger.
You can not get an R12 condenser for our trucks only the 134a ones but it is not hard to install and from what I here you want the larger condenser.
Now you cant put the evap in our housing so I would just get anew one so you know it is clean inside & out.
Dave ----

I should add I had to replace the condenser so I know how it fits.
I am also going from a York to the Sanden compressor.
I think I will need new hoses as I dont know what I have will fit the compressor?
I will also be replacing the drier & orfice valve.
Dave ----

FuzzFace2 wrote

You can not get an R12 condenser for our trucks only the 134a ones but it is not hard to install and from what I here you want the larger condenser.
Now you cant put the evap in our housing so I would just get anew one so you know it is clean inside & out.
Dave ----

You’ve mentioned things that have me curious since I didn’t know the two different refrigerants required different size components.  

Since my truck was already changed to 134a before swapping to these newer components do you think I can simply go ahead with my plan?  Both the evap and the condensor already had 134a in them.  

If it worked fine then I don't see why not to do what you posted.

134a does not cool as well as R12 and why it needs a little bigger condenser to pull the heat out of the 134 before put back into the system to cool.
This is why the new condensers are a little bigger and think the way they flow may have changed too?

On my system I had to replace the condenser, pinched tube and would not flow.
Any time the system is open then yes drier, valve replace is what I would do.
I also want to flush my evap to make sure it is clean as I don't know what shape it was in before I got the truck.

You should be ok with your hoses, I may have to replace mine because of the different year system components I am using to make my system work, other wise I would most likely try and use what I have.
Dave ----

I just went back over your first post.
Where are you finding all the parts:
Compressor
hoses
valve
drier
anything I missed?
for $220????

Just the compressors I have been looking at are that much.
Mine needs to be V belt driven Sanden compressor
Dave ----

FuzzFace2 wrote

I just went back over your first post.
Where are you finding all the parts:
Compressor
hoses
valve
drier
anything I missed?
for $220????

Just the compressors I have been looking at are that much.
Mine needs to be V belt driven Sanden compressor
Dave ----

Sorry for the late reply, I didn't know you comment.  I bought all of the parts from Rockauto.  I have them in a box and ready to install, I've just been sidetracked with work, my bumper project and home schooling.  

I expect to get those A/C parts on next week if all goes according to plan.  

Its ok I am not in a rush yet as it has not gotten really hot yet.

I also need the 2 manifolds that bolt to the compressor that the hoses screw to and a while back they were $100+ each on ebay.

I also cant make heads or tails on the hoses on line sites.
And that leads to my truck is a 81 and used a different compressor than the 83 or 84 that should fit my AC brackets. What hoses do I go with? Thinking the 83/83 as they have to screw to the manifolds but will the other ends fit what they need to is the question?

I really need to hit a few junk yards and see what they have and get what I need.
I may not use that compressor but would have it for a core, the hoses to see if the will work and need a little of the wiring because the 83/83 compressor uses a different style plug than my 81.

Thanks
Dave ----

My new 351 has the 1990 serp drive , i  have bought a new motorcraft pump , and hose , i found the best way for checking if something will interchange is to look up the associated parts , between the years of the trucks , i found  rockauto great for this . Cheers

NZCOBRA wrote

My new 351 has the 1990 serp drive , i  have bought a new motorcraft pump , and hose , i found the best way for checking if something will interchange is to look up the associated parts , between the years of the trucks , i found  rockauto great for this . Cheers

Most of the time I would and have done this but in this case I am going from a big square York compressor used on earlier cars & trucks to a small round Sanden compressor used on later cars & truck.

Some where around 82 or 83 Ford did the switch from York to Sanden and think after 86 they went with the serp belt.
I am sure the hoses are different on how they hook to the compressor and I don't have issues getting new hoses.
Where the question comes in is the dryer end as I think where it hooks is in a different location.
Now this might be able to be over come by using the dryer that works with the hose but will that dryer hook to the Epav coil?

I think the only way I will know is to get a compressor, the 2 manifolds that bolt onto it (they don't come with the compressor) and then see if the hoses I have from the York compressor will work or not.
If not then will have to get hoses and then see about the dryer.

I know I should do this soon as we have had temps in the mid to upper 80's already.
Dave ----