Can you remove 93 4.0 while leaving A/C connected?

[Vincenthdfan]

Hey all,
I was just getting ready to pull my upper & lower intake manifolds for new gaskets and rocker arm covers for new gaskets on my 93 4.0.

While in there I was going to change my rockers and pushrods because they have the usual ticking noise to them.

Then....as luck would have it, a guy was selling a 97 4.0 OHV with only 120,000 on the clock for dirt, dirt cheap...basically "I need this outta my shop to make room" cheap!!

He was in the middle of doing a 5.0 swap into his 2 wheel drive 97 Ranger.

He even threw in the 5 speed with the deal for no extra!

So now I'm at a crossroads....

Do I just proceed with my re-gasketing and rocker replacement on my '93 motor, or go to the trouble of swapping over all the external parts and changing entire engines (actually the cheaper route, believe it or not)?


If I do pull my 93 motor out, I cant for the life of me see how it will clear the still connected air conditioning lines that are routed IN FRONT of the engine (thanks Ford!!)

I really don't want to disconnect the lines because it's an R-12 system and it still works just fine, if you can believe that??!!

So tell me, will I be able to clear it?

I know I will have to pull radiator, fan & fan clutch, etc to make room....but I don't want to get 3/4 of the way through removal and find out it wont clear the lines....

Whats the consensus please?

Thanks!

 

[adsm08]

It can be done. It is the harder way to do it, but it can be done.

 

[Denisefwd93]

And most likely the hoses will start to leak after you've moved them around anyhow. it's time, take it apart do it right.

 

[Elutheros]

I did just that on my 1994--so yes it can be done.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I once removed all the ac related stuff without losing pressure. It took me about 13 hours.

 

[Dirtman]

I once removed all the ac related stuff without losing pressure. It took me about 13 hours.

You must have been REEEEAAAALLLY desperate to save that 75 bucks.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

It was a bet. I won. I think. Maybe.

 

[Dirtman]

Unless the person you bet had to roof an entire condo complex by themselves in August for loosing the bet.... no... no... you lost.