Should be an information label on the compressor. Take that information, and check the manufacturers site for replacement parts. I see the same issue on the full sized trucks. Mopar doesn't list JUST the clutch, they want to replace the entire compressor. Folks have had success finding the clutch though...

 

Will do, HY. Thanks!

Were those Denso compressors or one of several possibilities?

 

Couple different ones. Denso and Sanyo being two of 'em.

 

HY, took some measurements as follows:

Outside air temp: 90 degrees
Truck Speed: 50 MPH steady

AC Temp:
On recirculation setting, Lo Fan: 42 degrees
On recirculation setting, Hi Fan: 46 degrees
On fresh air setting, Lo Fan: 48 degrees
On fresh air setting, Hi Fan: 58 degrees

Do these temps seem OK to you?

That chirping noise is gone. Happened two times in a row after starting my truck. Disappeared after 45 seconds each time. Hasn't come back since. I have never done a cotton pickin' thing to my AC since I bought the truck 29 years ago. I'm amazed the AC even works. Still has the original R12 in it. I do see the parts stores sell the clutch/coil/bearing compressor assy. RockAuto doesn't (just the bearing or entire compressor). Not sure why.

 

Those numbers actually look pretty good.

I wonder if there was just some dirt in one of your pulleys? That will make some pretty strange noises.

 

I didn't think the numbers looked too bad either. Not great, but not bad...especially for a 29 year old automotive AC system that has never been touched. As for your dirt-in-pulley theory, that's as good a guess as any I could come up with. I'll be keeping an ear. I have a stethoscope so if I hear it again I'll lay the wand on that AC compressor. I'm not 100% certain that is where the noise came from but I'm 80% sure. You know how engine compartment noises are. Not always easy to tell where they come from. The power steering pump is next to the compressor but it's brand new (not rebuilt) so it shouldn't be making noises. Not that a CarQuest premium part is beneath being crap but the odds are it's fine.

Thanks, HY.

 

I went thru three power steering pumps before I finally got one that worked, and even it was loud.... I was SERIOUSLY disappointed in the "quality" of the parts. They weren't the same manufacturer either....

 

That sounds like a curse to me.

 

Three month anniversary of installing the NOS OEM regulator. No problems!

Done reporting on this topic unless it busts again.

 

Yee Haa.

Now this was a learning experience.