Air conditioning--not working

My truck:
2006 Tacoma 4x4, extended cab, manual....
It has 55,000 mi on it.
Last week when I turned on the air, there was a strange sort of whooshing sound and the light began blinking on the control button.
I took it in today to a dealer and was told compressor clutch: $1200.00

What advice, options, etc.
I was told by another shop that I could get a Delphi (non Toyota recommended for $518. Or a Denso (Toyota recommended ) for $1000.

Help.....!!!! And thanks

 

Molly: I just went through this repair. Will you be repairing it yourself? If so I can walk you through it. On a DIY level its almost cheaper to replace the compressor rather than rebuilding the clutch. If you are opting for a garage repair stay with reputable ac mechanic. This is an expensive (somewhat complicated) repair. Winter is coming, if you can have someone disconnect the ac clutch electrical connector (on the compressor) you will be able to use your defrost and worry about it next summer. It's a single lead and easy to get at. Just have them tape it off to keep the winter crap out of the connector.
Best to You,

 

I have an estimate of $1200 from a dealer, and $1400 from a shop. We did replace the relay, but it didn't help (Autozone let us return it).

We thought about asking to replace the whole compressor and will do that. The shop talked about it being important to use a Denso clutch and not a Delphi clutch and that made me a little dizzy.

I am thinking to just go ahead at the dealership, but will now ask about replacing the whole compressor if that might be cheaper.....what do you suggest about that?