A/C Condenser & Dryer Line Replacement?

Trying to get better at working on my own truck, and trying to get some input on how complicated replacing the A/C condenser and lines on my 2000 would be. Dealership put die in and found the leaks there, are quoting $900 for it.

OEM condenser preferred or is 3rd party ok?

Any tips or help would be really appreciated. Thanks

 

You can save some coin and go with something still decent and get a Denso unit (https://www.densoproducts.com/denso-auto-parts) Would recommend buying here and not Amazon (who knows what's real/fake on there anymore).

As far as working on it yourself, as long as you get a shop to suck out the old freon, you can work on the system and change whatever parts you need and then go back to the shop to get the system filled again (or do it yourself, but you'll need to know how to measure out everything, pull a vacuum to check for leaks, etc).

Most auto parts stores will sell PAG46 oil that you will need to put into the condensor in order to lubricate the parts. O-rings for certain lines can be sourced from the dealer for cheap and should be lubed with PAG46 before reconnecting lines. I don't think replacing lines will be necessary. Replace the drier whenever opening up the system.

 

I went through this myself recently (last summer). It's not that hard a job as long as you can get a shop to suck out any existing 1394a as @ThunderOne mentioned. When I did my work, I wrote up a series of how-to's, if you're wanting to have a bunch of photos and step-by-step of the process. Condenser was the only bit I didn't replace, though I have a Denso sitting in the basement since I figure I probably ought to do it as well just to get everything into the same age range.

Climate Control Guides

 

If your condenser has leaks good chance the system is empty.

Throw the gauges on and Double Check.