I have a 96 ranger 2.3l xlt. Air blows out fine in AC or max AC, just not cold air at all. Thinking that the system just needed to be recharged, when I started to recharge it my rpms started to fluctuate to about 1400 then drop down to 900. it only did this when the ac clutch engaged and disengaged. I was told that my compressor was locked up. I replaced it with a new compressor and new clutch. I charged the system up again and still the same result. At a stand still any ideas where to go to next?

 

Who told you compressor was locked up?
Fire them

If compressor is locked up then the fan belt would SQUEAL like heck when AC clutch engaged compressor.

It reads like you have a blockage in the system, compressor comes on pressure builds up too high so high pressure switch cuts off power to AC Clutch

Where is it blocked?
Don't know

You have a new compressor I assumed you added oil to it?
You will need new Accumulator/Drier, since you opened the system to install compressor.
And that could be where blockage is.

I hate to see you throw money at this just guessing, look on craigslist for an AC guy, they don't charge that much when they work from home.
And he can tell you what to buy, flush the system and then install parts for you if needed

 

how can I figure out if the accumulator is blocked next to changing it out?

 

You need to use a temp reader, Infrared Thermometer.

Watch Sotty's video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajcD90Ll_Ik

If there is a big temp drop then thats where the clog is

 

Update!!!
installed new accumulator and had to get a new clutch cycle switch due to the threads being messed up it wouldn't make a good seal. Started it started adding some 134a and still same result with the rpms fluctuating( 900-1200) and still no cold air. do I need top take it to the shop and havethe vacuum tested and have them check for leaks!?!?

 

Yes, you should take it to a shop.

 

took it to the shop and had a small leak at the high pressure port they fixed vacuumed the system out refilled it... it is blowing cold air now but it still has the big rpm jump going from 800 ish to 1200 any ideas next to a clog?

 

The computer should increase RPMs when compressor comes on, that is normal.

Automatic or manual trans?

But usually it is only 100-150RPM
4cyl might be different than V6 though.