so i have to replace my heater core, a/c evaporator, & a/c condenser.

are the heater core and evaporator in the same spot to change? i have done the heater core once before, but never the evaporator. if they are in the same spot to change then i will do the work myself for those two. as for the condenser, that will be done by a shop as i don't have the a/c tools in my garage, nor have i ever worked on an a/c system, and i don't know how to evac. & recharge.

can i replace the heater core & evaporator then take it to the shop for condenser, & evac./recharge? is there a certain order in which these items should be replaced (ie. condenser before evaporator, or evaporator before condenser)?

also, what is the cost of the evaporator for our trucks? does it have to be a mopar part, or is the local parts store a reliable place for one?

thanx a lot, i know it's a lot of questions . . .

 

Check www.rockauto.com for good prices on parts. 5% off coupons are easy to find with a Google search.

Dave

 

If the AC system is empty from a leak you can replace the condenser along with the evaporator and heater core yourself. I would also replace the drier and the tube that contains the calibrated orifice if you are changing all that other stuff. Just common hand tools are needed plus a set of AC fitting spring release tools. (about $10) Then take it to a shop and have it evacuated and recharged.
Tell them what you replaced so they know how much oil to add to the system.

 

what is the dryer and tube? where is it?

also, is the evaporator where i think it is? - right by the heater core?

 

1 Receiver/drier/accumulator basically all same thing. Its the cylindrical black thing on pax side close to fire wall.
2 expansion tube/calibrated orifice same thing and you could even throw in expansion valve as it does the same thing. This is the small line from the condenser that runs under the air cleaner. It's not that expensive and if you are replacing just about everything else I would also replace that as it's what controls the rate of freon expansion through the evaporator core.
3 Yup evaporator and heater core right next to each other in the heater plenum.

 

ok, let's start from square one, here is the situation:

i have a smacked up a/c condenser - it needs to be replaced. since this needs to be replaced, what else should be replaced with the same job?
also, unrelated but maybe relevant, i need to replace my heater core as it is leaking.

i am clueless when it comes to a/c stuff - so for the guys in the know, what should i do here?

 

When replacing the heater core, remove the evaporator clean and inspect the bottom. IF it's corroded at all I would shelve out the $400 for a new one as I have already replaced my 2001. Next the condenser, How long has it been "smashed"? If it just happened and you haven't opened the system/ disconnected the lines,pressure washed the damaged area, I would just replace the condenser and give it a try. Evacuate for an hour at 29-30 inches of vacuum-leak check by holding a vacuum, (it should not drop at all) then recharge. Don't forget to add oil for what you replace.
That is probably the cheapest way out. Drier and tube are about $100 each