AC Clutch replacement?

My AC clutch is dead......... My current truck (with the dead AC clutch) is a '95 dodge ram 1500 4x4 (318). I have a '94 dodge ram 1500 4x2 (360) sitting in a field not being used. I know the ac clutch is good on the '94...can i swap this part out by myself? I'm very shade tree...i can do things if I have good directions :).

Obviously I have to pop the belt and unbolt it. But it has two lines coming in which I assume are pressurized. Can I just unbolt these lines without some fancy skill or tool?

Thanks

I wouldn't advise disconnecting the A/C hoses off the old truck. You can swap clutches w/o disconnecting A/C hoses. Go to your local auto parts store and ask for a kit to pull the clutch off b/c it's pressed on and will have to be pulled off like a steering wheel puller. Other than disconnecting the drive belt, and the electrical connector, that's all you'll need to do to swap clutches, assuming that they are compatible, not 100% certain.

Posted by theFREAKnasty82 - 08-04-2005 at 08:56 PM
I wouldn't advise disconnecting the A/C hoses off the old truck. You can swap clutches w/o disconnecting A/C hoses. Go to your local auto parts store and ask for a kit to pull the clutch off b/c it's pressed on and will have to be pulled off like a steering wheel puller. Other than disconnecting the drive belt, and the electrical connector, that's all you'll need to do to swap clutches, assuming that they are compatible, not 100% certain.


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Sorry I guess I'm lost. What are you referring to as the clutch? Are you talking about the round circle that the belt sits on? If so just unbolt that and use the tool to pop it off? Will a new one pop on in it's place?

I was thinking about replacing the entire unit - am I wrong here?

the clutch is the part underneath the pulley. Actually, the pulley and the clutch are all one piece. It won't just pop off, it's pressed on to the nose of the compressor and you'll need to have a special puller to remove the clutch. Like I said, consult your local auto parts store, they probably can loan it out to you, or go somewhere like NationsRent and they probably would have it also, it's a specialty tool.

the clutch is the part underneath the pulley. Actually, the pulley and the clutch are all one piece. It won't just pop off, it's pressed on to the nose of the compressor and you'll need to have a special puller to remove the clutch. Like I said, consult your local auto parts store, they probably can loan it out to you, or go somewhere like NationsRent and they probably would have it also, it's a specialty tool.

Okay I understand how to take it off (i have to find one first - autozone only sells the compressor). How do I put the clutch on if I do find one?

the clutch can be pressed back on using that special tool; it allows the clutch to be pressed on and off the compressor. If you're buying a compressor from Autozone, I'm surprised one is not already installed from the factory, sounds odd to me.

the clutch can be pressed back on using that special tool; it allows the clutch to be pressed on and off the compressor. If you're buying a compressor from Autozone, I'm surprised one is not already installed from the factory, sounds odd to me.


I can buy a whole new compressor that comes with a clutch for $200+. I was hoping to find a clutch somewhere and save some cash

If i yanked the compressor i would have to figure out a way to store (or not store :P) the feron