A 97 Mercury Villager should use r134a type freon. The valve size is designed so that the r12 fittings cant accidentally be used.
R134
1994 Mercury villagers come factory charged with R134a refrigerant. Vehicles built 1993 or prior were charged with R12 for note.
A 1998 Mercury would use R134a refrigerant.
5W-30 is the preferred oil ( according to the 1996 Mercury Villager Owner Guide )
The Villager does not use fusible links that I am aware.
In a 1997 Mercury Mountaineer : r134a
The Villager has an electric fan and does not use a "fan belt".
Yes
5W-30
R-134a
The engine in the Mercury Villager does not use a timing chain, it uses a timing belt. The recommended belt replacement interval is 105,000 miles.
You can use any standard antifreeze, there is no special type required.