best a/c lines based on location

[stamina]

on the 4.0 from 90-95ish there were two types of manifold a/c lines, one that ran in front of the intake plenum with a different drier which was unique to the 4.0 or one that ran behind the plenum just like the 2.9 and used the same drier/accumulator as the 2.9. based on working on the 4.0 in the vehicle which i haven’t much, which is more preferable? the line that runs in front of the plenum or the one behind it? the motor i bought is a 95 so it has the bracket in the cylinder head for the line that runs behind the plenum. advice on this would be greatly appreciated!

edit: i have to get the proper a/c lines for the 4.0 compressor anyways so i’m not in a big rush but i have both options at the junkyard and was wondering which one i should get, they both fit the later model 4.0 a/c compressor with slightly different serpentine belt arrangement

 

[Shran]

I don't think it matters. I prefer the later style that goes in front of the intake because you can remove the entire AC system as one piece without opening it... But only for that reason. Maybe it's possible to do it with the other style too, I have never tried.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

A long time ago I removed the AC from a mid 80's ranger without purging it. It took me a day and a half. I didnt know what I was doing, perhaps I could have cut the time in half if i did...

 

[stamina]

I don't think it matters. I prefer the later style that goes in front of the intake because you can remove the entire AC system as one piece without opening it... But only for that reason. Maybe it's possible to do it with the other style too, I have never tried.

beautiful, thank you.

 

[sgtsandman]

Moved thread to Heating and Air Conditioning.

 

[ZMan]

I was wondering about this. I just ordered a new line and when I got it I realized it's meant to run in front of the intake rather than wrap around behind like my 92 4.0 currently has. I can run this line no problem? I still have the old line on, trying a quick "test fit" I thought the neck for the upper radiator hose would be in the way and figured it was a line meant for the 3.0l.