Please help me build my AC parts list (Jeep had factory air)

[Gormy]

I have a 1999 TJ that has an AC system that didn't survive a frame and body swap (built the Jeep from several Jeeps and didn't want to fight to save a crusty AC system). All I have right now is what is in pictures. I cut the lines going to and from the heater core on the accumulator side of the connection, so I think I'm good to not go into the heater core. The compressor has been left open since I completed the build, so I assume the inside is contaminated and should be replaced.

Is it best to get a full kit from Jeep Air and install it? I think those kits have parts to add air to a Jeep that didn't have it from factory, so it's likely overkill. Or can I piece it together cheaper? I know I need an accumulator, condenser, probably the compressor, all lines, gaskets, and oil. Does that almost cover it? What else am I missing? This is my first time messing with AC install, so any tips would be great!

Thanks!

 

[06lj]

I recently replaced my entire AC system on my 06. I ordered all of the parts from Amazon and Rock Auto. I spent a total of $556 on parts and a few extra dollars on some nylog, spare o-rings and refrigerant. You will, of course, need a vacuum pump and gauges so that could be an addition couple hundred dollars. It was not a difficult job. Pulling the dash to remove the evaporator was the most time consuming task. There wasn't anything tricky about the install. Just keep everything impeccably clean and make sure all of your o-rings are seated.

 

[Gormy]

I recently replaced my entire AC system on my 06. I ordered all of the parts from Amazon and Rock Auto. I spent a total of $556 on parts and a few extra dollars on some nylog, spare o-rings and refrigerant. You will, of course, need a vacuum pump and gauges so that could be an addition couple hundred dollars. It was not a difficult job. Pulling the dash to remove the evaporator was the most time consuming task. There wasn't anything tricky about the install. Just keep everything impeccably clean and make sure all of your o-rings are seated.

Thanks for the reply! Why do I need to pull the evaporator? Is that just to replace it because I'm doing the rest of it? The Jeep came with AC. It just has the under hood parts removed. As for a vacuum pump and gauges, I was thinking of installing everything and then taking it to a shop to do the final work of testing for leaks and charging the AC, as I don't have all the tools for that.

 

[Abendage]

Thanks for the reply! Why do I need to pull the evaporator? Is that just to replace it because I'm doing the rest of it? The Jeep came with AC. It just has the under hood parts removed. As for a vacuum pump and gauges, I was thinking of installing everything and then taking it to a shop to do the final work of testing for leaks and charging the AC, as I don't have all the tools for that.

If you don’t replaced the evaporator at least flush it, definitely new everything else though.

You can rent the vacuum pump and gauge set for free from most Autozone’s on their loaner tool program. Only reason to take it to a shop is to have the existing refrigerant recovered, but you don’t have that situation.

 

[06lj]

I would recommend replacing the evaporator. It would be a waste to replace everything else and then find out it's bad. Mine was half clogged with debris anyway so getting to clean out the HVAC box was worth it.

 

[Gormy]

I recently replaced my entire AC system on my 06. I ordered all of the parts from Amazon and Rock Auto. I spent a total of $556 on parts and a few extra dollars on some nylog, spare o-rings and refrigerant. You will, of course, need a vacuum pump and gauges so that could be an addition couple hundred dollars. It was not a difficult job. Pulling the dash to remove the evaporator was the most time consuming task. There wasn't anything tricky about the install. Just keep everything impeccably clean and make sure all of your o-rings are seated.

Do you have a parts list from what you replaced? That's what I'm after. The kit that I can find is $1,000. I assume I can get it a little cheaper if I do it without the parts that are needed for inside the cab. I don't need the HVAC controls, for instance. I know I need the accumulator/drier, the mount for that, suction line, all the lines (don't know the names of each), compressor, condenser, lots of o-rings, etc. I'm a fan of Rock Auto and Amazon for parts, I just want to ensure I'm getting the list correct.

 

[Abendage]

Do you have a parts list from what you replaced? That's what I'm after. The kit that I can find is $1,000. I assume I can get it a little cheaper if I do it without the parts that are needed for inside the cab. I don't need the HVAC controls, for instance. I know I need the accumulator/drier, the mount for that, suction line, all the lines (don't know the names of each), compressor, condenser, lots of o-rings, etc. I'm a fan of Rock Auto and Amazon for parts, I just want to ensure I'm getting the list correct.

There’s many variations between model years and engines. You’ve already seen the Jeep Air kit, if you don’t need all the components just map out what you need and source them. Denso condensers are usually highly regarded. The accumulator brackets you’ll probably have to source from Jeep Air or eBay. Everything else is dime a dozen from any parts supplier. Just make sure you get the correct one for your year and engine. The part list from 06LJ’s 06, or the parts list from my ‘06 won’t do you any good as the 99 system was different.

 

[06lj]

Do you have a parts list from what you replaced? That's what I'm after. The kit that I can find is $1,000. I assume I can get it a little cheaper if I do it without the parts that are needed for inside the cab. I don't need the HVAC controls, for instance. I know I need the accumulator/drier, the mount for that, suction line, all the lines (don't know the names of each), compressor, condenser, lots of o-rings, etc. I'm a fan of Rock Auto and Amazon for parts, I just want to ensure I'm getting the list correct.

Here is a list of the parts I ordered. I ended up just cleaning my original liquid line and installing a new orifice tube. The aftermarket line did not clear the air filter box on my Jeep. Your 99 might be different. The part numbers will not be correct as my Jeep is an 06.

4710397 (471-0397)

A/C Compressor

4770833 (477-0833)	A/C Condenser
56978	A/C Refrigerant Hose / Line
56473	A/C Refrigerant Hose / Line
54837	A/C Evaporator Core
20224SK	A/C Receiver Drier / Accumulator

Four Seasons 20925 System Mounted High Cut-Out Pressure Switch $25.11
Universal Air Conditioner SW 11161C HVAC Pressure Switch $11.74

 

[Gormy]

Here is a list of the parts I ordered. I ended up just cleaning my original liquid line and installing a new orifice tube. The aftermarket line did not clear the air filter box on my Jeep. Your 99 might be different. The part numbers will not be correct as my Jeep is an 06.

4710397 (471-0397)

A/C Compressor

4770833 (477-0833)	A/C Condenser
56978	A/C Refrigerant Hose / Line
56473	A/C Refrigerant Hose / Line
54837	A/C Evaporator Core
20224SK	A/C Receiver Drier / Accumulator

Four Seasons 20925 System Mounted High Cut-Out Pressure Switch $25.11
Universal Air Conditioner SW 11161C HVAC Pressure Switch $11.74

Thank you! I just went and ordered most of the parts last night. This list helped, I just modified it to 1999 parts of the same type. The only thing I'm stuck on is the stupid suction hose that runs from the compressor to the accumulator. It is nearly impossible to find. I have looked on eBay, reached out to every used parts supplier I can find, checked FB Marketplace for 1999 TJs that are being parted out (apparently the 1999 had a one-year only hose design), etc. There is a 1999 listed at the scrap yard in my town, although I don't know if it's still there (been in since May so it's picked over), if it's a 4.0L, and if it even had AC. They can't tell me anything over the phone, so I'll head there today and check it out. This stupid hose is going to hold up my A/C install.

Edit: Took a chance and went to the pick-n-pull. They had a 1999 TJ, 4.0L with A/C and the hose was still on it! That should be the last piece I needed. Everything else is on order. Thank you!