awd question

[theconstantevolution]

ok, i been wondering, i see a lot of awd vans out there, but i havent had a chance to get close to any of them. was the awd auto only or did it come stick shift as well? wondering because i may eventually wanna convert mine, but i dont wanna lose manual trans.

[Bear River]

They did not come with manual trans, but with the right adapters,you can use the Dana 28 transfer case with the manual trans. You would likely have to build such an adapter, and I'm not sure how difficult this would be.

[xlt4wd90]

I think all the AWD vans came with the 4 liter engine, just to help move the added weight. The manual transmission vans only had the 3 liter engine. I know that the same transmission has been used on 4wd Bronco-II, but I think they had a high failure rate, as they can not handle the load. So I'm sure those poart will fit, but I don't think they will last very long.

If you wanted to add a 4wd transfer case to an Aerostar with a 5 speed manual, you're looking at starting with a 2wd with a 3 liter engine. But that's just the start; you will also need the front axle and drive shaft, and the crossmember and suspension from the 4wd vans that will allow you to install them. It would be easier to start with a 4wd van and try to adapt a stronger 5 speed manual transmission to it.

[rebocardo]

> was the awd auto only

Yes. I have started a conversion to a manual transfer case and once I have that done, I might go with manual hubs in the front too. I might ditch the Aerostar's whole Dana 28 and put in a Bronco II Dana 28.