Before ordering a Kwik Performance AC hose kit for your OBS truck project, you’ll need to identify which AC condenser you have. The photos below show the differences. Here’s a quick summary:
Version One: 1988, 1989 and some 1990. SAE fittings.
Version Two: 1991, 1992, 1993 and some 1990. SAE fittings.
Version Three: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998. Metric fittings.
(Tahoe, Suburban and 2500/3500 trucks carried the OBS body style into 1999 and 2000.)
Not sure whether your fittings are SAE or metric? It's easy to tell: metric swivel nuts have notches on the wrench flats, while SAE nuts are smooth.
IMPORTANT NOTE: 1990 was a cross-over year, some came with either of the first two shown below. If you have a 1990 truck, you must identify which configuration you have before ordering.
Above: 1988–89 & Some 1990 Condensers
The earliest OBS condensers use a straightforward horizontal layout. Both the inlet (upper) and outlet (lower) lines run horizontally across the face of the condenser.
Key identification details:
- Both refrigerant lines are horizontal with no upward or downward angle.
- The upper fitting (inlet) is female threaded.
- The lower fitting (outlet) is male threaded.
- Both fittings use SAE threads.
If your 1990 truck has this configuration (horizontal lines with SAE threads), order a hose kit for the 1988–90 early style.
Sanden Mini – K10707 | Sanden HD – K10708 | GM R4 – K10709
Above: 1991–93 & Some 1990 Condensers
This generation introduced a slight variation to the outlet line. While the upper inlet line remains horizontal, the lower outlet line angles upward rather than running flat across the condenser face.
Key identification details:
- The upper (inlet) line runs horizontally across the condenser.
- The lower (outlet) line angles upward.
- Both fittings are male threaded.
- Both fittings use SAE threads.
If your 1990 truck has this configuration (horizontal inlet, angled outlet, SAE threads), order a hose kit for the 1991–93 late style.
\Sanden Mini – K10669 | Sanden HD – K10670 | GM R4 – K10671
Above: 1994-95 Condensers
The 1994–95 condenser shares the same basic layout as the 1991–93 version, but the fittings changed from SAE to metric threads. This is the easiest way to distinguish it from the earlier style.
Key identification details:
- The upper (inlet) line runs horizontally across the condenser.
- The lower (outlet) line angles upward.
- Both fittings use metric threads (not SAE).
If your truck has this configuration, order a hose kit for the 1994–95 metric style.
Sanden Mini – K10694 | Sanden HD – K10695 | GM R4 – K10696
Above: 1996–2000 Condensers
The 1996–2000 condenser is very similar in appearance to the 1994–95 version and still uses metric threads. While they do carry different part numbers, our AC hose kits cover the full 1994–2000 range.
Key identification details:
- The upper (inlet) line runs horizontally across the condenser.
- The lower (outlet) line angles upward.
- Both fittings use metric threads (not SAE).
- Very similar to 1994–95 but carries different part numbers — hose kits work the same for 1994–2000.
If your truck falls in the 1996–2000 range, order a hose kit for the 1994–98 metric style.
Sanden Mini – K10694 | Sanden HD – K10695 | GM R4 – K10696
Frequently Asked Questions
What year does this guide cover?
This guide covers the Chevy/GMC OBS (Old Body Style) trucks from 1988 through 1998. Tahoe, Suburban, and 2500/3500 trucks carried the OBS body style into 1999 and 2000 and are also covered.
I have a 1990 truck. How do I know which condenser I have?
1990 was a crossover year, so trucks were built with either the early (1988-89) or late (1991-93) style condenser. You'll need to physically inspect your condenser and identify whether the outlet line runs horizontally or angles upward. If both lines are horizontal, order the 1988-90 early style. If the outlet angles upward, order the 1991-93 late style.
What's the easiest way to tell a 1994+ condenser from an earlier one?
Check the threads. The 1994 and newer condensers use metric threads, while 1988-93 condensers use SAE threads. The overall line layout looks similar to the 1991-93 style, so the thread type is the key difference.
Do I need to know which AC compressor I'm running before I order?
Yes. Kwik Performance offers hose kits matched to three compressor options: the Sanden Mini (SD7B10), the Sanden HD (SD7H15), and the GM R4 mounted on a Kwik LS bracket. Make sure you know which compressor you have before ordering.
Here’s how to choose the right AC hose for you.
Take a look at the chart below. First, select your truck/condenser year (the vertical column), then select the AC compressor you’re using (across the top). Click where those two things intersect and you’ll go right to the order page.
https://www.kwikperf.com/collections/air-conditioning
As always, if you need help, email us: info@kwikperf.com or call the number below.
Kwik Performance, Inc. www.kwikperf.com 417-955-1467