hit the AC button and air starts a blowin, but the clutch does not engage. Is there anything pre-compressor (switches, vacuum line, etc...)that I should check before looking at replacing the compressor? thanks in advance.

First thing to consider is that the freon may be a tad low. If so the compressor won't kick on. If the system is fully discharged, then a leak is most likely. If the system is fully charged and non functional, then you should diagnose switches and clogs.

There is a good chance you don't need a compressor.

Thanks, kind of what I was hoping. I didnt know that the Clutch wouldnt engage with a low condition. hopefully this is the problem. That would be a recharge kit from the parts store correct?

It could be.

The proper way to check it is to know what pressure you should see at what temps. Then check the pressures in the system and adjust as needed if the pressure is slightly low.

If you see 0 pressure then there'* a leak to fix.

I got a kit, threw on the gauge and didnt see anything for pressure, so must be a leak somewhere. I threw one can in just to see if I could get any cold air for my ride to work. When I put the can in the clutch kicked in and the pressure guage would oscilate between 20-45 lbs with the clutch turning on and off every 5 secs of so. I took the fill tool off and it continued to oscilate like that. The can still felt full though? If there was a leak wouldnt the can empty itself out. The can got a little cold but not real cold so not much refridgerant must of dumped into the system. ANy thoughts?

Only thought there is that enough to engage the system made it into the system. Did the instructions say if you had to invert the can?