As I understand it, the heater core replacement on a 1997 Ford Explorer involves removing most [if not all] of the dash board assembly. Currently, the heater core is leaking. Symptoms include a strong anti-freeze smell when the heater is on and there is a foggy coating forming on the interior of the windshield. These symptoms are identical to what happened with heater core leaks/failures on a 1987 Ford Taurus wagon and a 1984 Chevy Cavalier.
Is my understanding [e.g. dashboard removal] of this replacement procedure correct?
If so, are there any special tools required beyond what a relatively well stocked home garage would have [a wide variety of wrenches & sockets, pliers, screw drivers, torx bits, etc...]? The dealer wants abou $525 to do the job, and I've got time on my hands but not a lot of money. If there is nothing tricky and the job is just tedious I'm prepared to tackle it myself this weekend instead of shelling out $$$ that I don't have.
TIA,
Chuck