1997 Lincoln Town Car trying to replace actuator for air co

Ford installed the wrong actuator in this car from the factory(bought brand new) warrenty ran out.

I was told that the whole dash board whould have to be dropped to get to the part that needs replacing.I was also told at the parts counter at a ford dealership that some have benn able to replace this part by going thru the radio openning or glove compartment. Help.