Sanden AC compressor for Suburban with front and rear air

[haromaster87]

Hey everyone, this question is specific to those with a Suburban equipped with front and rear AC that they've switched to R134a with a Sanden AC compressor. What model/part number compressor did you end up using? And how well did it perform for both the front and rear AC set up?

The AC in my 1990 Suburban was non functional when I got it so I gathered up the components to revamp the system and switch it to R134a. Since the current pancake compressor was already kaput, I looked into upgrade options and came by the numerous recommendations for a Sanden AC compressor, so I ended up with an SD7H15.

I haven't actually started the repair/upgrade yet, but the other day I saw a discussion for someone with the same dual AC setup that had switched to the same Sanden compressor and he couldn't get it to cool below 60*. Based on the thread, I think he had other circumstances causing his issue. But in that discussion, a user mentioned the Sanden SD7H15 is not a large enough displacement compressor for a system with front and rear AC and that it's best suited for front AC only.

There wasn't much elaboration beyond that, but it got me looking and I found the SD7H15 indeed only displaces 155cc, whereas the R4 in the dual air Burbs was supposed to be a 180cc unit. On paper, it does seem inadequate. But I have found various mentions of folks using the SD7H15 on their G series vans with dual air and having excellent results. So I'm curious if any one has any first hand experience with a SD7H15 on a dual air Suburban and how well it worked in your local climate. Thanks for any info!

 

[gmbellew]

this is what I am running in my dual air 1990. with a good fitting shroud, good clutch fan and a small pusher I run with AC on attached to my trans cooler i have no complaints at all. been running it for 4 or 5 years now.

if the truck has been sitting in the sun it takes a while to overcome the heat soak of all the metal in the vehicle. but if it has been in the shade, I can be cooled down quick.

no issues maintaining the cab comfortable in upper 90s and humid with recirculation (Max) on and moderate blower speeds. I do have tinted windows, though....I am sure that helps a little.

New Sanden Style 4864 AC Compressor - Auto Air Online

New Sanden style 4864 ear mount ac compressor complete with 12-volt clutch, 119MM 8/ groove pulley, and single wire male Packard connector with diode.

www.autoaironline.com

 

[YakkoWarner]

This is a topic I need to follow closely since I have effectively the same problem - 1989 with front and rear air, system pretty much dead although it will get slightly below ambient air temp but not much. I have the orig. style R4 compressor and want to go with a Sanden style because the R4 is REALLY noisy which makes me suspect its not long for this world.

I'm trying to figure out exactly what has to be changed (I'm assuming dryer/accumulator, compressor mounting brackets, orifice tube, condensor and hose fittings at the compressor). Is there any kind of kit that contains all the needed peices or at the very least a list of what parts to buy?

 

[gmbellew]

This is a topic I need to follow closely since I have effectively the same problem - 1989 with front and rear air, system pretty much dead although it will get slightly below ambient air temp but not much. I have the orig. style R4 compressor and want to go with a Sanden style because the R4 is REALLY noisy which makes me suspect its not long for this world.

I'm trying to figure out exactly what has to be changed (I'm assuming dryer/accumulator, compressor mounting brackets, orifice tube, condensor and hose fittings at the compressor). Is there any kind of kit that contains all the needed peices or at the very least a list of what parts to buy?

Dryer and orifice tube for sure. The compressor I linked above works with stock hoses. Condenser is your call, really. Make sure the fan shroud is tight to the radiator to maximize fan performance at idle and low speed. Flush the system good. Pull the rear TXV to make sure it isn’t plugged up. Flush everything out really well.

 

[dd1990]

On my 90 Burb I went Sanden compressor and Parallel flow condenser, by burb is an icebox when I have the ac running.

 

[winfred]

on my sanden swap into a 91 350 burb with an r4, most of the dirty dingo adaptor crap didn't work, but i am uniquely equipped to build ac lines and fab brackets, i just didn't wanna and tried the retail option, biggest annoyance was the compressor back plate that was supposed to accept the stock manifold hose assy, would not, it's been more than 10 years, so, maybe the sanden chineseum adapters suck less these days