After reading all the great information in this forum I'm going to replace my heater core that went out the other day. While I'm in there I will be also be replacing the A/C Evaporator Core (bases on suggestions here).

Here are the parts that I was planning on using from RockAuto; Or should I purchase them from somewhere else? Looking for suggestions if any.

FOUR SEASONS Part # 54166 - A/C Evap core (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,6768)
SPECTRA PREMIUM Part # 94466 - Heater Core (http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...,parttype,6864)

While I'm in there, is there anything else that I should replace or should have on-hand "just in case"? Hoses, wire, foam insulation, tools? I want to make sure I replace anything else that I may need. I don't want to have to pull the dash off again if I don't have too.

 

does your dash need replacing ? you might do all 3.
are you going to extract your refrigerant, or just release it ?

i admit i haven't read the diy. how do the AC lines connect? is it a quick connect or a solder or what ?

 

Yes my dash needs replacing (the terrible crack) but I have a cover on it now so I'm not too worried about that I never see it. I'm not sure what type of connectors they are? Is there somewhere that tells me? Without having to open it up I can' tell.

 

It is a quick connect. Its not that hard of a job to do, just takes a long time. I did mine in one night using a haynes (hayes, whatever) manual. Hardest part was manhandling the dash by myself. I had bungee cords hanging everywhere. I did not change evaporator. May regret that later. I'm sure once you get into it, people on here will be glad to advise. Good luck.

 

I'm assuming that if I change out the A/C Evap Core that I will have to discharge the A/C system. With that said, what is the best way to recharge the system prior to putting the dash back into place. I want to make sure everything works before I put it all back together.

 

so is the cost of the refrigerant worth having it extracting and refilled. or do you just dump it and buy new ?

can you refill it yourself from the the little DIY cans, or do you go to an AC shop ?

edit - i type too slow....

 

Right now I'm not having any issues with the A/C system itself. I was just going under the assumption that since in the 11 years that I have had the truck and I have never had the A/C system serviced that it needs some work. While I'm under the dash I figured I would change out the A/C Evap Core since it's right there.

 

Refrigerant is cheap. I spent less than $30 for a big can of R-134A and some refrigerent oil. Remember you have to draw vaccum on the system before you put the refrigerent in.

 

I took mine to a local mechanic who evacuated the system before I tore everything apart. He then added the freon and oil back after I put everything together. I think he charged $60 total. I only replaced the heater core, but I still took the ac lines loose to get to the heater core. I think you have to, unless you hold your mouth just right or something...