AC CLutch clanking
 

Bought the truck last month used with 75K.

First my rant.

So last week I found out my B4000 has a shot cat in the Y pipe and its a $1300 part. While having my auto guy check codes I asked him to change the spark plugs since they are such a pita to remove. I found that I have a stripped plug which they will have to drop the motor to access the plug hole. (I was able to get about 4 or 5 turns on the new plug and it's running fine so I am letting that be for the moment)

Now my AC clutch is clanking. So far it is just on initial start up in the morning and doesn't make noise after the motor is warm, but it is getting worse each day.

The AC cools fine so should I just replace the clutch or is it easier to change out the whole compressor? I don't have any way to siphon off the freon.

Is this a do it yourself project or should I just take it to the man? I have watched several youtube videos but not specifically on the Ranger. I am guessing that the auto parts place has the specialty tools like the pulley puller.

What do you think?

Repair shop says it is a rear bearing in the internal part of the compressor, not the clutch that is making a racket. He said let it clunck until it seizes or quits cooling, then replace it. Sounds good to me.