I have failed the pulley bearing on my 1997 F-150. It destroyed the bearing seat (part of the compressor housing) and now I guess I am looking at replacing the entire compressor and clutch / pulley assembly.
Does anyone have any suggestions for replacing the compressor? Can I replace the part and drive to a shop with the system depowered to get it evacuated and charged? What does it take to charge it myself?

 

Take it to a shop, have them evacuate the system, and then you replace the compressor and clutch. Then take it back to the shop, have them add the compressor oil, leak detector dye, and R134 to charge the system. You can save a TON of money that way!

I did it myself on an old truck I had; the shop had no problem with doing it that way.

Best of luck.