Parts interchangeability.

[ogrerick]

So we're looking at what could be our 3rd Aerostar. Our first was a 95 that we bought new. At 297,000 the trans and engine blew on the same day. A few years later we drove from SC to ME to buy #2, I think it was a 94. The one we're looking at has been sitting for a while and at first look it needs rocker panels and the moldy carpet deep cleaned or replaced. I'd like to upgrade the wheels to 15 or 16 inch. There are 3 Pull-a-Parts in Atlanta, about a 2 hour drive for us. If I knew what years interchange body panels, carpet and wheels it would be well worth the drive and effort to get them used. I've looked for this information on the site and have'nt see any. Can someone school me?

 

[BrooklynBay]

You shouldn't have a problem swapping parts between the 94 & 95 models. I think one member managed to get 15 inch wheels on his. You might be able to get 16 inch wheels in the rear if you raise the suspension.

 

[ogrerick]

I think one member managed to get 15 inch wheels on his. You might be able to get 16 inch wheels in the rear if you raise the suspension.[/QUOTE]

This wheel size thing confuses me a little. With my K5, wheel interchangeablity is determined by backspacing more than anything. Wheel diameter is not a problem if the tire size will fit without rubbing. (or in my case, not rubbing too much) I would think the same would hold true with the Aerostar. If I want to change to 15 or 16 inch should'nt it fit by using a lower aspect ratio tire? I don't know what the 14" tire height is but I would think that if I matched tire height with tire height that the wheel diameter would'nt matter. I understand that the backspacing might have to be changed to avoid rubbing the inner fenderwell or other parts in there. Or maybe it's a Ford thing that just can't sink into my thick Chevy head yet.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The speedometer, cruise control, and transmission's shift points might get thrown off unless you use a different gear on the VSS.

 

[ogrerick]

Shift points, cruise and speedo being off is no big deal, I run 35's on my truck and just make sure that I stay with traffic. As for replacement rocker panels, I haven't seen any mention of them on this site. Does anyone sell replacement sheetmetal? If I have to I can cut pieces off at the boneyard but working with new metal is my preference.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I'm don't think any of the site's vendors sell sheet metal. Most people get them from the junkyard, cut the old ones off, then weld the replacement ones on. It would make a nice how to thread if you could take step by step pictures.

 

[ogrerick]

Most people get them from the junkyard, cut the old ones off, then weld the replacement ones on. It would make a nice how to thread if you could take step by step pictures.[/QUOTE]

Funny how I can do the repairs but don't have a clue about posting up pictures. I've got some pictures of my K5, so between now and when we get the Aerostar I'm going to try my hand on posting pictures on CarolinaK5 or WheelinDixie. If I can figure it out I'll try to do a tech thread.

 

[jamc_128]

Does any one know if I can Fit a 2004 independent rear suspension of an explorer to a 1993 Aerostar?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Anything is possible if you have the time, and the money to invest in custom fabrication. Take a look at the sticky thread in this section with pictures of what some people do to their vans. They raise them, put big foot tires on them, and even tank treads.

 

[jamc_128]

Well what I want ti do is put the 3.0L and the 5 Speed tranny of a 2005 Ranger, and an independent rear suspension of a 2004 explorer. Will the engine and tranny work with no problems?

 

[BrooklynBay]

It will work if the bell housing will fit. Was the manual transmission previously connected to a 3.0L? The computer might have some problems since it will be looking for the input from the VSS. The 2 solenoids will be gone as well. The manual transmission was previously connected to an OBD-II system, but it's manual, and not automatic, so it doesn't have the electronics of an OBD-II system. Your 1993 is an EEC-IV system.

 

[jamc_128]

But I want de 5 speed automatic that's on the ranger. What else do I need to change?

 

[BrooklynBay]

The only option that I could think of is to do a 5R55S swap as outlined in the sticky thread in the transmission section. It uses a stand alone computer controller, and wiring harness.

 

[jamc_128]

Does any one if the Windstar Wheels fit the Aerostar?

 

[BrooklynBay]

The Windstar is a FWD with a different pattern, and diameter: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=210676

MODEL YEAR O.E. BOLT PATTERN LUG SIZE C.B.
AEROSTAR 85-97 14 X 6 5X114.3 1/2-RH 70.3
WINDSTAR 94-03 15 X 6 5X108 12mmX1.5 63.4

 

[jamc_128]

I watched de other forum lisnk you gave me, I saw That the Escape has the same Bolt patern, but diferent Lug size, might this effect? Can I put those wheels to the Aero?

 

[BrooklynBay]

The bolts on the hub have to match the same bolt pattern. The thread of the stud is only for the lug nut to match.

 

[ogrerick]

The lug nut depends on friction at two places to keep tight. We all know that the threads on the stud is one, but sometimes forget that the tapered seat on the wheel is one also. The angle of the tapered seat on the wheel has to be the same as the corresponding surface on the lug nut. If full contact is not made the threads alone won't keep the wheel on. That's why the taper is cut at an angle and not just flat. In general, it is best to use a wheel that the lug nuts and studs have been manufactured to match.