Follow up on headers

[Bear River]

So the question was asked if headers for a 4.0L Ranger or Explorer would work on an Aerostar. I now have all the dirty details on the answer.

To simply get to the point, the answer is no.

The Aerostar has suspension components and frame members right in the way of where the oil filter would be located on the passenger side. As a result, the oil filter is mounted on an adapter that is different from the one found on the Ranger and Explorer. As a result, the exhaust, which passes through the same region, is also different. The headers will hit against the oil filter bracket, and would require serious modifications to make them fit. The drivers side fits just fine, no issues. The y-pipe would also need to be modified, most the headers come with a new y-pipe for the Ranger/Explorer, because the headers are longer than the factory manifolds.


So sorry for the bad news. Best I could tell, all the headers I looked at were basically the same.

[93nighthawk]

bummer......

[96_4wdr]

put on a remote filter sandwich adapter plate and remote mount an oil filter
done all the time on Rangers to protect the filter from rock and limb damage.
leaves lots of room
also makies adding an oil cooler easy

[Bear River]

I tried that, my oil pressure dropped dramatically, to the point where I had lifter noise. I switched back to stock promptly, and the problem went away. Maybe the adapter I got is not free flowing enough, or the oil lines are too small. If you go with an adapter, the headers will fit. I will reinvestigate the relocation. Any advise on where to move the filter to would be welcome. The Ranger has more options, but the Aerostar is too crowded in all the desirable areas.

[96_4wdr]

Universal & Light Truck Oil Filter Relocation Kits
use rt. angle fittings out of block plate and oil pressure rated neoprene hose.
no sharp bends in hoses.

mounted mine on frame rail. keep the filter low, helps keep oil pressure up, reduces oil pump work load and engine off drain back
use only a fin and plate cooler if you add one, too much pressure drop with the coil tube type.
Engine cooler 1/2 NPT fittings: Bulkpart transmission parts

[DCRB]

any info on 3l headers yet? j/w

[96_4wdr]

pre mid 90s 3L Ranger headers should fit with some work. oil filter, exhaust pipes, etc.

[Bear River]

Originally Posted by 96_4wdr

Universal & Light Truck Oil Filter Relocation Kits
use rt. angle fittings out of block plate and oil pressure rated neoprene hose.
no sharp bends in hoses.

mounted mine on frame rail. keep the filter low, helps keep oil pressure up, reduces oil pump work load and engine off drain back
use only a fin and plate cooler if you add one, too much pressure drop with the coil tube type.
Engine cooler 1/2 NPT fittings: Bulkpart transmission parts

Where on the frame rail did you put it? Do you have any pics. I would be interested in pursuing this further.

[96_4wdr]

horizontal on outside of frame rail. 2 1" holes thru frame for hoses
put a 6" sheet metal plate in front of it to block front tire spray

good place for cooler is just behind filter at an angle

just have to remember to take all the brush and high center rocks on the driver side.

[Bear River]

What dd you use to cut the holes through the frame?

[marty600]

Bear River: what brand did you use? (oil relocation device)
I wanted to do the following, but i dunno, too expensive...
AMSOIL By-Pass Filter Installation - 1992 Ford Aerostar XLT 4.0 Liter