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90 Jimmy A/C

90GMCJim

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I need to replace the A/C in the jimmy. I have looked around and found some good info.
More curious if there is anything new or any updates on what works best. I plan to replace everything.

Any updates or help on compressor and parts will be greatly appreciated

Thank you
 
I need to replace the A/C in the jimmy. I have looked around and found some good info.
More curious if there is anything new or any updates on what works best. I plan to replace everything.

Any updates or help on compressor and parts will be greatly appreciated

Thank you
In my opinion the stock system is still best but changing the compressor to a sanden.
There are brackets you can buy to do that
 
In my opinion the stock system is still best but changing the compressor to a sanden.
There are brackets you can buy to do that
My compressor is bad a I believe. The person I got it from said they changed some things. Not sure what

If I turn the a/c the compressor spits out fluid
 
My compressor is bad a I believe. The person I got it from said they changed some things. Not sure what

If I turn the a/c the compressor spits out fluid
Yeah I changed mine on the Jimmy but I just put a good quality replacement but since then I learned that the sanden compressor is an improvement and I think my next truck will have one.
I also changed the condenser and some hoses and obviously the drier
 
The Sanden style compressor, the bigger cu in one, new parallel flow condenser. Hoses made for Sanden and a 90 square with R134a service ports, new accumulator.

Flush any old parts being reused. Add oil to evap,accumulator, condenser 3-5 oz spread between the 3 components. 3-4 oz in compressor, after draining any oil allready in compressor.( check mfr spec on amount)
Vaccuum and charge. Stock up on r134a the gobberment has set a sunset date for manufacturer, so it is going away like r12
 
I would recommend searching the numerous A/C threads here, because there have many different approaches and varying degrees (pun intended) of success. In general, some choose to do aftermarket systems, but blower in the cab = loud and they are recirc only. That can be a problem for Defrost, depending on the climate.

Alternate compressors do not have the displacement of the R-4, but the R-4 is also known to develop leaks and the quality seems to vary. If you do the modifications to run a Sanden (/Sanden style), be particular to get the biggest displacement you can fit. It will cost more, but why do you want A/C anyway? Likewise, parallel flow style condensers are theoretically better than the stock style, but many of them sold to "fit" a square body are smaller than the stock one, so the overall performance is similar. Check the dimensions, as sometimes there are ones available that fill the whole space in front of the radiator like the original did.

Also pay attention to the refrigerant, as R-134 does not work as well as the R-12 the old systems were designed for. I personally avoid it, but it you see it as the only "legal" option, try to make the hardware better than original to get similar performance. This pushes some people to electric fans, since the A/C still has good cooling at stop lights and low speed. A heavy duty fan clutch can also help. Research which size orifice tube (or V.O.V. if you're not risk adverse) should work with the combination of parts and gas you're choosing.
 
I have a 89 GMC jimmy and the AC was replaced with a vintage air unit. Works very well and frees up space in the engine compartment.
 
I have been using a Chinese "Sanden style " compressor for about 6 years. I found a bracket set to put it on the serpentine bracket on my '90, from Dirty Dingo.
I had to have hoses made to hook up the compressor at NAPA, so that may be a problem in some areas. However I haven't had a problem with it. I used a blue orifice tube for Ford applications, an aftermarket parallel flow condenser with R134. I do have an 11 blade vortec engine fan on the TBI style clutch.
 
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