what is this and why would it be cut?

[bizarro302]

I've got this metal and rubber hose/line under my hood that a previous owner cut. It runs from what looks like the a/c compressor over the intake manifold to the passenger side of the engine compartment. I have a pic but I don't think it let's me post them with such a low post count. It's a 94 b3000 2wd 5 speed btw.

 

[Earl43P]

You should be able to post a link that starts with IMG from photobucket or other storage site.
http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82293

Does sound like an AC line.

 

[RonD]

That sounds like a high pressure line for the A/C compressor.

AC compressor has 2 lines coming out, one runs to condenser in front of the radiator, the other runs across the engine(if AC compressor is on drivers side) to the evaporator core on the passenger side firewall(the big black box).
You can't really repair these types of lines.

They are sold as a set that bolts to compressor and then their respective connections to the system
Example here: http://www.bestvalueautoparts.com/Replacement_Parts/FORD/RANGER/A_C_Hoses.html

Wrecking yards are also a good source, these lines don't often wear out

 

[bizarro302]

That sounds like a high pressure line for the A/C compressor.

AC compressor has 2 lines coming out, one runs to condenser in front of the radiator, the other runs across the engine(if AC compressor is on drivers side) to the evaporator core on the passenger side firewall(the big black box).
You can't really repair these types of lines.

They are sold as a set that bolts to compressor and then their respective connections to the system
Example here: http://www.bestvalueautoparts.com/Replacement_Parts/FORD/RANGER/A_C_Hoses.html

Wrecking yards are also a good source, these lines don't often wear out

That is definitely the line in question. It has very obviously been cut. Looks like a sawzall or whizwheel was taken to it by the firewall. Why would someone do this? Perhaps they did it so it wouldn't affect defrost if the ac condensor was shot?