my 4runner came to me with factory (or dealer) installed AC that didn't work becuase the condenser core was crunched.
I went and got a new core and some of those fancy green o-rings for the rest of the system. any pointers I should be aware of or should replacing all the o-rings just be enough?
how much oil should I put in the compressor before starting it?

Was the system still sealed or left open? At a minimum, you should replace the dryer. Not sure on the oil requirement, but you need to remove the existing R12 oil as it isn't compatible with the oil for R134.

You might want to pull the evaporator and clean it. The one on my 83 was completely clogged with leaves and dirt. That gives you access to the expansion valve as well, which I would consider replacing as well.

the system has been left open for longer than I've owned it, which has been 2 years. the compressor is actually sitting in the basement on my work bench.

I will look into replacing the dryer and expansion valve, thanks!

I just talked to my Toyota dealer parts guy about a similar situation. He gave me a printout of the TSB covering the conversion. Toyota sells a kit of parts, but it's over $100 & doesn't include the reciever which also should be replaced.

The TSB I've got doesn't list 84, it starts at 86, so you should check with Toyota, but for 86 you need to change all the o rings, including the 4 between the compressor & the service valves. You need a new reciever/dryer, 100cc of PAG oil type "ND-oil 8" & 700g (25 oz) of R134a.

Toyota claims it is uneccessary to flush the system of old oil, but if yours has been open that long I wouldn't chance it.

http://www.ackits.com/ has the parts for far less $ than Toyota.
They also recomend a parallel flow condensor since R12 systems converted to R134a tend to be a bit weak. I'm trying to decide if it's worth the hassle since the plumbing would need to be changed a bit, but I'm leaning in that direction.

ackits has more info than you want to know about AC systems, so it's worth spending some time over there reading.

Dave

I've done R-134 conversions, and have a friend who has a side business doing R-134 conversions.

Get one of those R-134 kits from Walmart or the like. Cost $30-40 bucks.

After you replace the crunched condenser and drier, suck it down with a vacuum pump. Then, install the 134 according to the kit instructions.

You're done.

Now, if you're willing to pull the compressor to drain it, I've gotten better results from draining and refilling the compressor with a better oil than just converting and leaving the old oil in there. Noise was appreciably lessened, and engine drag seemed reduced as well. No change in cooling capabilities.

that ackits.com site has good prices.
I'm gonna go with them for the replacement parts that I need like the dryer and exp. valve.

thanks guys.