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My 1986 J20 needs an A/C compressor, or least the clutch needs replaced and I do not know the condition of the compressor.
The plan is to replace the entire compressor.
My '86 360 is equipped with a York style compressor.
I understand that the '89 and up Sanden compressors are more efficient and take less power to operate.
I have an AMC V8 Sanden compressor mount, however, I have lost most if not all of the hardware.
I could take steel rod and thread the ends to make my own mounting hardware.

There is no question, that I will be taking my rig to a A/C shop to get the system looked over, repaired, converted and filled with R134a.
I could just replace the York compressor and let the shop to the rest and be done with it.
From what I remember there were goofy adapters from the old school A/C lines to the fittings on the Sanden compressor.
I have an excellent hydraulic hose shop in town and could get new line made with the proper fittings.

My question to the group, is replacing the York with a Sanden worth the effort?
Will the Sanden compressor cool any better than the York?
The AMC 360 gets crappy gas mileage as it is, but would a Sanden compressor ease that any?

My goal is next year to take my J20 on some long distance trips, maybe even do the HotRod PowerTour.
From what I have seen online, the folks on the HotRod PowerTour this year that did not have A/C were really uncomfortable.

I would imagine either brand compressor will pull 15 or so hp, but have heard some owners just like the Sanden over the York as a personal preference.

Maybe the look under the hood?

Maybe mounting space?

Maybe they have Sanden on other vehicles so can interchange?

I have a York on my '84 GW, and unless the case goes bad, I will keep it and run it.

When it craps out, I will fix it, and probably rebuild it myself if needed. You tube videos DIY!

Just need to bring it up to current freon code when I get to that point.

Like any make/model/size vehicles we all choose to purchase and drive, for our intended uses, each compressor brand is a quality product and will do the job as designed.

Just my $.02

Sanden's are more efficient. Way less rotating mass, and just a better design.

As to whether its worth converting, not sure. I guess if you have to buy a compressor anyway, and assuming you have the required bracket (they are different), then it may be worthwhile. I bet the sanden is cheaper to buy too, as yorks are becoming less common.

Stuka wrote: ↑Wed Jul 06, 2022 9:27 pm Sanden's are more efficient. Way less rotating mass, and just a better design.

As to whether its worth converting, not sure. I guess if you have to buy a compressor anyway, and assuming you have the required bracket (they are different), then it may be worthwhile. I bet the sanden is cheaper to buy too, as yorks are becoming less common.

Stuka is right correct, Saden sd7h (the old sd508 style) is a much better compressor , less torque to start, rarely see one fail, rarely cause a vibration.

to convert a york to sanden you can purchase a mounting plate that bolts to the york mount , comes two ways fixed or adjustable (to tension drive belt), if your hoses need a service valve with 134a fittings those easy to come by in either tube-o or #8 and #10 .
If you need pictures and part # probably can give UAC part #
Cheers, Ed