A/C woes

My 2004 has the 2RZ smaller 4 cylinder. It would make a racket. Kind a squeak when I revved up thru the gears. This problem got worse. I removed the belt from the A/C. The noise went away! No worries. It was dead winter. Now that the weather is warming up, I am considering my options to get the A/C going again. Plan one is to replace the clutch in the current A/C pump. I watched some u-tube vids. It looks like there are several layer of things going on the clutch. Getting any of that wrong could cause problems and a re-do. I have my doubts.
Plan two. Remove the good A/C I have off of my 2004 donor truck. It was working when it was shut off for the last time. A Several years back. I have a vacuum pump, and manifold set. I think there are some seals that would need to be changed. Right? And what about oil? 134 is getting expensive. I have one can, but would need more.
What do you think would be my best option? Cheapest and simplest.

 

First determine where the squeal is from. If the squeal is from the compressor clutch only when the AC is off then you can replace the bearings. If it squeals when the AC is on check the belt and the idler and/or tensioner. Replacing the bearings could be easy or hard depening on your skill level and tool box. If you do the job be aware that between the 2 clutch faces on the shaft there are shims that adjust the air gap, to large a gap the clucth wont pull in, too close and it will drag on release.