2nd Gen 5.0 Radiator Replacement (IE, anyone with a service manual?)

[Robb]

Just to check the story I am getting. On a 2nd Gen, 5.0, the condensor is attached to the radiator in such a way, that removal/replacement of the radiator requires "opening up" the a/c lines?

If anyone with a '96-'01 service manual could look this up for me, I would appreciate it.

 

[410Fortune]

I have a 5.0L radiator and condensor from my donor truck, the condensor connects tot he radiator with plastic clips, locking clips. You push down and pull them apart.
I am not sure how they bolt into the truck or if it is possible to not evacuate the AC system when you pull the radiator, but I cannot imagine they would do it this way.

the two connect together, but they do come apart, I believe only the rad bolts to the truck.

 

[Glacier991]

The answer is no. The Auto trannie fitments come undone, the AC condensor unclips and a bolt comes out. NO discharging the AC for this procedure.

 

[johno697]

XLT 5.0L radiator R&R experience

Just replaced the radiator in my '98 5.0L XLT. Whew am I tired!

At first I tried the job w/o removing the fan. but needed the extra clearance so I "rented" a fan removal wrench from AutoZone.

Worked my butt off to try & separate the condenser from the radiator so I could yank just the radiator & not need to break the refrigerant lines.

Could see no way...the left (passenger) side was clear but the lines on the driver side would not clear.

Finally I drained the freon then broke the left & right lines.

Then the rad & cond came out easy.

The only thing left to do is have the AC recharged.

BTW: delivery from Radiator Barn was super fast. Great folks there!

May be this will help someone else...

 

[Cobraguy]

Ford says you can leave the condenser on the car. I'd like to see the engineer who designed that pull that off because it is a royal pain in the ass. I don't even try any more. I have freon recovery equipment. It's WAY faster to just pull the condenser with the radiator for me.

 

[rizzjc]

I replaced the radiator, water pump, front seal, and timing set, and didn't open up the AC. I am surprised I didn't wack it while working on it, but it's still blowing cold. Once you know how to deal with the clips, it's not a big deal, and certainly not worth draining the system.

 

[CDW6212R]

I'm about to do it, though I will change the AC o-rings soon.

 

[ttbit]

BTW: delivery from Radiator Barn was super fast. Great folks there!
May be this will help someone else...

This may help me! Over $60 cheaper than local and free shipping. Thanks for the tip.