A/C Part

[shamaal]

I'm gathering the courage to change the A/C on my 91 Mazda Navajo from R12 to R134A. SOmeone sells a kit on ebay that includes the compressor, accumulator and expansion valve. I've scoped everything under the hood but have come across an inline component between the compressor and the condensor. From my A/C days of 25 years ago I'd say it looks like an inline drier/strainer. I have a picture but my permissions do not permit posting attachments and I can't figure out how to use the attach image button.
I've read the conversion threads and am confident I can pull this off. What I need to know before I start is:

1. What is this part and do I need it for R134A?
2. Assuming it's not required, will a new hose assy from a post 93 Explorer work? (similar length/fittings)

 

[shamaal]

Hopefully this picture will take. The component in question is the round item between the schraeder valve and the compressor. If it is a drier/strainer I assume I will have to change because it's filled with R12, H2O, mineral oil etc. The question then becomes will a set of hoses from a post 1993 explorer still work. The deciding factors would be the same location of the accumulator and the distance between the compressor and the condensor.

 

[shamaal]

I went to Autozone this a.m. and compared hoses from a 93 Explorer and a 91 Navajo. Both of them have the mystery component on the condensor (LP) side. The hoses are of different lengths however, on the accumulator (HP) side. I guess they changed the under hood layout in 93.
I'll get the correct hose for the 91 Navajo and assume that the drier/strainer (if that's what it is) material is compatible for R12 and 134a. Both hoses are stamped R134a compatible.

 

[Maniak]

Thats a muffler.. when I converted to r-134 and got new hoses, my new one did have it on there.. The hose that I took off (non factory) didn't have the muffler..

Why its there, I don't know.. I just know thats what the place I got the hose from called it. Also, my new hose routes under the throttle body, my old hose went around the back of the intake.

~Mark