A/C on a 1996

[Jake N]

Well I just picked up a 1996 ranger and the dang thing doesn't have a/c. Its 4-wheel drive, cruise control, and no a/c. So I was wanting to ask if it is worth it to put in in? What do you guys think?

 

[MAKG]

I think it is, but it's going to cost a few bills.

Utah can get a bit, well, toasty in the summer. And A/C sure helps the defogger work even if it isn't hot.

Read the sticky at the top of the forum.

 

[Jake N]

Thanks that helped out. But what year did they go from R-12 to 134?

 

[MAKG]

Some time around 1995. Your's is PROBABLY R-134a, but the sticker on the evap housing will tell for sure. As will the fittings -- R-12 fittings look very much like tire stems. R-134a fittings are quite different.

 

[Jake N]

Well thats just it, my truck did not come with a/c at all. So if I can find a/c off a 1996-97 it will be 134? Sounds good now off to the junk yard

 

[MAKG]

Probably. The safe thing to do -- when in doubt -- is to find a truck like yours in the junkard and test fit it before you buy it.

Note that you CAN put R-134a in an R-12 system. It just needs to be flushed out. ANY junkyard A/C should be (unless it has just been opened for the first time). And a JY compressor open to the atmosphere for an unknown time is a big risk (get a reman).

The cost of flushing may exceed the cost of new equipment. About half the cost is in the compressor, and much of the remainder is the condenser. Those are the riskiest junkyard parts, as well.

 

[4x4junkie]

The switch to R-134a was midway through 1994. Any '95-'97 truck that would have parts for yours will be 134a.