AC Air Conditioner clutch

Mine is making noise and the unit has shut down. Mechanic says that's the safety feature designed to prevent further damage. Looking for the AC clutch itself I can only find it at a Chrysler dealer for $220; local parts houses have the compressor & clutch as one assembly, (new) for about $250. Unless someone tells me a better fix-it sounds like we buy a compressor, & clutch assembly, receiver/drier and an orifice tube.

Any alternative suggestions? Need answers ASAP, it's in the 90's and the mechanic wants to work on it Sunday.

The dealer is full of BS!You can get just the clutch from the dealer.Do not get a reman compressor,big piece of junk and fail right away.Go to your nearest auto salvage yard and get an used one instead.The used ones last longer.