I'm trying to fix a friend's 94 XJ (4.0) that was involved in an fender bender. I'm having to replace the header panel assembly, but it also appears as though the radiator behind it has some damage as well. I've been told that what I'm referring to is not actually THE radiator, but the AC condenser (the actual radiator is behind this). I picked up a pretty clean condenser from the junkyard, but I don't recall what year the XJ was I pulled it from, does this make a difference at all?

Secondly, would damage to this condenser in anyway cause the XJ to overheat, or would any trouble be strictly AC related? I've noticed it started overheating either right before or right after the accident, can't recall when, but I do know that there was an oil change done immediately prior to the accident, and that the wrong weight was used (I know it wasn't 10w-30, but a lot thinner viscosity). Could the oil be causing the overheating? Could the overheating be not related to either and just occurred around the same time (this thing is old and has had its problems). The XJ will start and run and not immediately spike in temp, but the gauge will gradually climb higher and higher until I shut the Jeep off to prevent any damage.

If I absolutely must replace this AC condenser asap, what all is involved? The one I picked up at the junkyard has two lines coming out the passenger side, and I've read that I need a quick disconnect for the bottom one, and a regular wrench for the top. I've heard the system needs to be de-pressurized before doing anything, what's the easiest way of doing this? Once done, is it just a quick recharge or what? Keep in mind this is a '94, does this require the old style freon?

Finally, I need to replace the brake hose on the driver side that bolts to the frame and then to the caliper. I had another friend that started on this while I was away and was told they needed a special wrench to disconnect the old hose in-between the caliper and the frame mount. What type/size wrench is needed? Sorry for the lack of pictures/info regarding this, but I haven't been in front of the Jeep in a few weeks, but will be later today and would rather pick up everything I need before I get there and start working on it.

Thanks for the help! Looking to get this thing back on the road asap.