Need advice-Bad air cond. compressor

[John 333]

1995 Explorer XLT. 4.0L.Auto trans.80,000 miles. Yesterday my air conditioner compressor was making a terrible noise and by the time I got home it locked up. This is a vehicle that I use only on a rural mail route. I use in mainly in the winter when I need the 4WD. Called the local repair shop and they said the cost to repair it would be at least $850. The trouble is that I really don't need air condioning in this vehicle. What I need to know is did all Explorers come with air cond.? If they didn't wouldn't it be possible to remove the old compressor and install the bracket that would have the pulley for the serp. belt and run it like that? I can't believe that all Explorers came equipped with air cond. Any info would be a big help. Thanks guy's.

 

[Triton46]

Not sure about 95, but 91 - 94 had AC as an option. An easy way to check would be to contact your local parts store and see if they offer two different serpentine belts for the 95 (one w/AC and one without).

If they do, just remove the compressor and all related parts (accumulator, condensor, evaporator, pipes, etc) and put the new serpentine belt on.

 

[JLP]

Before your ditch your AC remember that the AC is on when you use the Defroster in the winter...

Just my .02