There is a really good writeup on wjjeeps.com - http://wjjeeps.com/hvac_sub_install.htm

You need to disconnect the lines running through the firewall to the heater core and evaporator core and then remove the bolts securing the HVAC assembly. Once the entire assembly is out, begin taking the phillips head screws loose that secure the parts of the assembly. You'll find the heater core inside. While you're in there, you might think about replacing the evaporator core, recirc door, and blend doors - it's a lot easier than tearing it all back apart again later.

 

Just got a puddle under my passenger side door . . Had no idea what it was. Thought maybe a brake line because they are hidden by the heat shield for the exhaust. Still had brake pedal and no abs light though. Brought it in to CarX and he informed me in was the infamous/worst case heater core. Quoted around $950(including replacing EVAP) for parts and labor. Is this a ridiculous price or is this roughly what it cost due to the intense labor involved? And if you have replaced your own was it worth the trouble/time/aggravation of saving the labor costs?

 

That's actually pretty cheap if it includes the blend doors also.

 

I just replaced my evaporator, its in the same place. Here is a quick video that i found online. Shows you how to take the hvac box out.

 

Had blend doors issue taken care of a long time ago. . .so maybe it might be a good idea to replace them with a better kit cause Im sure they didn't have one when I had them done.

 

Awwwww....my good old Ford Ranger... secondary vehicle...semi-beat work truck that keeps going and going....heater core drops right down behind glove box onto floor ...took about 10 minutes tops for entire replacement.

 

I have mine completely out right now as well. Couple bolts in hvac housing's remove heater core hoses and make sure you have enough slack or movement to allow the AC lines to slide inside a few inches. I'm replacing my evap so I can't comment if you'll have enough room. There are a few metal clips that clamp the hvac housings together.

 

My mechanic would have probably done it pr me around $500 with my parts.

 

If you do it yourself, you'll be SO glad you did it after you finish. You'll think, "Was I really going to pay a guy $500 to do this?" There are great YouTube videos and WJJEEPS.com has a great write up. Please, for all the other DIY's out there, pull the dash yourself!

 

I just replaced my evaporator, its in the same place. Here is a quick video that i found online. Shows you how to take the hvac box out.
Video Link:

So he had it out and replaced in under 7 mins?? Means my mechanic is charging roughly $6,000/hr? I need to switch professions. Haha. Shhhheeeeeeit.

 

So he had it out and replaced in under 7 mins?? Means my mechanic is charging roughly $6,000/hr? I need to switch professions. Haha. Shhhheeeeeeit.

LMAOOOO!! :2thumbsup:

 

so are the hoses disconnected right at the firewall? how the **** do you reach the clamps?? and does anyone know where the bolts that undo the entire thing so it can come out are?

 

Nice info. I'm about to attempt this soon too! With the info from here: http://wjjeeps.com/hvac_ip_remove.htm and some tips from WiCkeDuDe (thanks) it shouldn't be too too hard...I hope.

 

so are the hoses disconnected right at the firewall? how the **** do you reach the clamps?? and does anyone know where the bolts that undo the entire thing so it can come out are?

I disconnected them where they go into the radiator i believe. Right behind the radiator basically. They were much easier to reach .than the ones at the firewall. The only other thing when you pull the box the hoses are gonna go out with the box.

 

ok so they will fit through without disconnecting the ones at the firewall?? that's the best news I've heard in a long time if that's true! that's what I'm stuck on! my heater core was already bypassed so it's already disconnected... just need to find the bolts holding it in and do the ac ones then!

 

ok so they will fit through without disconnecting the ones at the firewall?? that's the best news I've heard in a long time if that's true! that's what I'm stuck on! my heater core was already bypassed so it's already disconnected... just need to find the bolts holding it in and do the ac ones then!

Yeap they will definitely fit. Thats how i did ti last week

 

Thanks! did you pull the metal line through with it as well?

 

you mean refrigerant lines? (ac lines) ?
if so there is a screw in the middle of two lines you have to remove it, and after that there are 2 torx screws that have to be removed as well. then just disconnected the lines and pull the hvac box from the inside.

 

I meant the hoses for the heater core sorry about that

 

yes just go ahead and pull them with the hvac box.