98 Ranger XLT Extended Cab, 127K miles.

So, I've endured many summers without A/C out here in the high desert. My lead started out to be a slow leak that would stay cold for two years - then one year - then just the summer - and finnally the last charge lasted about 30 minutes. I've done fine without cold air for a few years, but I tell ya, it's a real bear in the middle of the summer when you're on the freeway in the late afternoon.

I've been thinking (being the truck is so old), that I don't want to replace the entire A/C system and spend that kind of cash - but, if its something that's commonly a problem, maybe I can look into fixing for myself.

Any ideas?

* Anyone suggest the "stop - leak" stuff for this kind of problem?

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1998 Ford Ranger XLT Extended Cab, Purple-Blue Metalic, 3.0 V6, 129000 Mi.
Work: Full Tune-Up, Tires, Clutch, Alternator, Driver's Side 60-40 seat, 1 Sway Bar, Idle Pulley, Tensioner Pulley, Multi-Function Switch, Camshaft Synchronizer, Shift Knob, CD Radio

I would run dye through the system to figure out exactly what is leaking, there is no need yo replace the whole system

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I would run dye through the system to figure out exactly what is leaking, there is no need to replace the whole system

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I would run dye through the system to figure out exactly what is leaking, there is no need to replace the whole system