98 Expedition AC Parts - Hard To Find OE And Conflicting Part Numbers

[Fitz98]

My 98 Expedition needs some AC work.
Definitely front suction and discharge hose assembly.
Maybe a compressor? Seals are leaking for sure, but if this was under 250.00 I would probably replace. I made a separate post about this...not too many responses though.
I imagine accumulator should be changed.
Maybe orfice tube and expansion valve while I am at it.

Problems:
The parts numbers I got from the dealer with my VIN do not match parts on RA site or parts I put in using my vin on Motorcraft parts site.
Ebay has OE hoses, but using dealer part number it says for vehicles with no rear AC. I am pretty sure mine has rear AC, at least there are controls for it and there are lines going to the back.
OE compressors are not available, at least that I can find.
I can't find a motorcraft accumulator.

I see lots of aftermarket options and kits on RA, but they are cheap and I wonder about the quality.

Looking for some advice on reliable alternatives to OEM and OEM part numbers. (Maybe the dealer messed up?)

 

[Chris142]

I've installed dozens of aftermarket compressors and rarely had a problem. Same with accumulators and expansion valves.

The motor craft compressor is exactly the same as the no name Chinese one you can buy . So yes The motor craft one is also made in China.

No need to spend extra for motorcraft.

Gpd,Visteon are 2 that were common where I worked.

Not sure about your hoses. Are there any "T"s on them for the rear ac lines to connect to?

 

[GMBoy]

I agree with Chris142. Its an older vehicle and anything you get will last you a good while. I would not worry about matching part numbers as they change frequently so that might be why you can't get a match. Another option for the hoses is to take the originals to any hydraulic hose shop and they will replace all the rubber hoses on your metal lines --- for a lot less then new. I had a GMC Acadia rear ac line that was a $223 part. I got it repaired and it cost me $18.

 

[Chris142]

Another option for the hoses is to take the originals to any hydraulic hose shop and they will replace all the rubber hoses on your metal lines --- for a lot less then new. I had a GMC Acadia rear ac line that was a $223 part. I got it repaired and it cost me $18.

I actually have a side business doing that to ac hoses as well as building custom hoses for engine swaps and what not . But I think shipping would kill the bargain price.

The only hydraulic shop in my area won't do ac hoses.

 

[Fitz98]

So something like this?
GPD Kit
I am mostly concerned with how the accumulator hose hooks up to the evaporator. I DO NOT want to have to take the dash out to deal with changing the evaporator so matching connections, fittings and seals will be important here. (been there done that -Twice, with my heater core, once with aftermarket core, then with OE core when the aftermarket leaked (pinhole in one of the tubes).
GPD Hoses
Would I be better to keep my OE condenser (250k miles) or match up the whole system with GPD while it is opened up?
GPD Condenser

I thought Denso was a good brand
Denso Compressor
They offer a condenser as well
Denso Condenser

Thoughts on Denso vs GPD?

Maybe Motorcraft service valves and orfice tube?

All in all, this seems like a relatively inexpensive project for materials to update my AC. Anything else I am missing?