I'm looking at one of these kits on Rock Auto, it's like $260 or so and comes with the compressor, drier, condenser, high side line and a ton of o-rings.
Everything except the evaporator and low side line I guess.

I'm thinking I can install this kit and take it to a garage where they can do the vacuum thing and charge it for me.
Anyone ever go this route before? The idea of the AC actually working in this thing for under say $500 sounds pretty damn good this summer.

 

Never bought the kit but did buy my AC parts from rockauto. Worked out really good

 

As long as your evaporator core isn't leaking, your plan sounds good. Just curious, what's the issue with your A/C currently? Are all of the original A/C components already installed on the truck?

 

Everything is there. When I got the truck about 13 years ago, I had a mechanic look at the AC and he said the compressor clutch was no good but he would just replace the whole compressor. Didn't want to spend the money at the time so it has been unused for that at least long, I have no idea how long it didn't work before I got it. I only use it on weekends really. At this point I'm older and want AC though lol. Everything is rusty & crusty under the hood and if it still has a charge I don't know if I would trust it to hold one. Plus like I said, the compressor hasn't been used in well over a decade.
That's why my thinking is just to install all new stuff as long as the evap is still good. Guess I can pressure test that with compressed air somehow.

Looking back I should have tried the clutch. I did that to my Civic 5 or 6 years ago and it's still going.

 

Thanks for the background information. Personally, I'd be tempted to just replace the A/C compressor (with clutch) with a used known-working unit from a salvage yard. Once installed, vacuum the system and recharge it with R-134a refrigerant. My 1996 Dodge Ram takes 2 pounds of refrigerant for a full charge. I just recharged my truck's A/C system last week, since it has a very slow leak and I needed A/C for my recent trip to the Chrysler Nationals at Carlisle, PA last week. A/C works great now. It blew so cold that my passenger begged me to turn down the A/C and that was on a 90+ degree day...

 

I have done this a couple times. The first one lasted a few years, the second is still running strong now several years later. I live in south Louisiana and use it all the time for at least six to eight months out of the year.

 

So 2 of those big 18 oz. cans from the auto parts would do it?

 

My truck is a standard cab and it takes 2 pounds based on the underhood sticker. Your truck might be different. Check the A/C refrigerant sticker under the hood.

 

Should have told me I was there to man! Would have liked to meet ya!

 

Sorry I missed you there. I was just there on Friday. I attend every year. Perhaps I'll see you there next year.