Auto Air Conditioning & Heater Repair: Dodge Ram 1500 Evaporator A/C, dodge ram 1500, chrysler dodge

Question
Hi,
I have a 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 Club Cab, 2WD, V8 5.2 Liter.  Last year the A/C quit working.  I paid $200 at the Dodge dealer to have it recharged with the dye.  It lasted only a couple of weeks, but they couldn't find the dye with the light.  I've since recharged it myself many times but it is getting worse.  The dealer says it may be the evaporator under the dash for about $1100-1200 parts and labor. Therefore, I would like to try and do it myself.

1.  Do I really have to take out the dash or can I just loosen it?
2.  If I have to take out the dash, do I have to remove the steering column?
3.  Should I also replace the heater core and the drier as well.
4.  Should I use Mopar or aftermarket parts?  Sounds like this is a common problem with Chrysler/Dodge.

If I do the labor, I'll take the truck in for the evacuation/recharge.

Thank you VERY much.
Steve

Answer
YES SIR, THE WHOLE DASH MUST COME OFF TO REMOVE THE HEATER/EVAP HOUSING, IT`S ALL IN ONE UNIT AND BOLTED TO THE FIREWALL..THE DYE ONLY IS GOOD IF CAN SEE IT... I WOULD REPLACE THE DRIER,BLOCK VALVE AND EVAP.I HAD A EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT WHEN MY WIFE HAD A 2000 CHRYS CONCORDE. THE EVAP GOT REPLACED 3X UNDER WARRANTY AND EACH POP WAS 1500.00 P&L..WITHIN 6YRS OF OWNERSHIP..THEIR EVAPS ARE WEAK.
AS FOR AFTERMARKET PARTS,THEY MAY BE AVAILABLE-CALL THIS PH#
1 800 628 0474 IN RENO,NV. THE COMPANY IS CALLED RANSHU INC.
THEY HAVE A HEAVY AFTERMARKET INVENTORY..

GOOD LUCK