Freelander 1 Replacing the AC Compressor? Any Advice other than run for it?

Well I'm back. I feel like a bad friend that only stops by when they need something... Last time it was Transmission troubles which forced my wife to make me actually define when "till the wheels actually fall off" means. Seriously we had one of those sit down discussions. Anyways so now she knows I mean business and our Hippo is here to stay.
She got me THIS for Christmas!


Oh Joy! My big present wrapped under our little tree, what can it be but a shiney new AC Compressor. Our old one died on us while we were on the car barge.
Cold AC is the exact thing that will make her happy and love our Hippo again. I'm a firm believer in happy wife / happy life.

Anyone have any tricks or advice on replacing one? I've looked through RAVE and it doesn't appear that I need any special tools?
The freon has leaked out of it completely. We live in a what's practically a 3rd world country where we can buy freon over the counter and recharge the system ourselves. ( this will also be a first time for me doing this ). I've had the system pressure tested so I know it's the compressor.

Anything else I should replace while I'm there?

I'm hoping to do the Sway Bar links as well. Anything else recommended?

Here's a picture of our Hippo. Totally miss not having the lift kit anymore but I kept the 16" steel wheels and BF Goodrich AT T/As


Thanks in advance for any advice! I'll post pics of my progress.

If it system has been open for a while, it's probably wise changing the dryer at the same time.
The actual AC compressor is easy to change. However you'll need to have any remaining gas and oil removed. Then fit the new compressor and dryer, have the system vacuumed out and refilled with the correct refrigerant and oil.

Ok thanks for the advice. I believe it's been out for at least 6 months so I'll look into changing out the dryer as well.
There is a coolant specialist on the neighboring island so I was thinking about getting it all installed myself and have them check the system for leaks and refill.

did the compressor just leak,or blow up???if its blown up there maybe debris in the system that needs flushing out before you fit the new one.