complete list of makes and models for rims that fit aerostar
 

I took some time to gather a complete list of makes and models for rims with exact fit for bolt pattern , stud size and hub center.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B7L...VE3TkFiWm5zM1U

I have discovered a slight discrepancy in tire sizes between an Aerostar Passenger Van and an Aerostar Cargo Van. There is also a slight difference in cost when you insure the two "completely" different vehicles, even though they have the exact same suspension parts.

The stock tires for an Aerostar Cargo Van is P215/75/R14SL, while the Aerostar Passenger Van is P215/70/R14SL. Tires for the Aerostar Cargo Van are for some reason too big for the Aerostar Passenger Van.

I removed the two back bench seats, about 500 lbs worth of useless junk, but the insurance agent says it is still a passenger van. Funny. I even had to get a license plate indicating it was a Passenger Van.

:-wink

Ignore the tire size difference. The cargo van tires fit a passenger van just fine, and in fact are just plain better. Also, Its not a passenger or cargo van thing anyway, some vans just came either way, so it probably has more to do with trim package.

My 2WD passenger van shows P215-75-14 tires on the sticker. The AWD vans have P215-70-14. Hard to find any decent tires in either size now.

This is a bit strange. Some Aerostars have 215/70R14 tires, while others have 215/75R14 tires. This calculates to over a 3% difference in the speedometer reading between the two different tire sizes. This is an unreasonable amount.

The "larger" 215/75R14 tires are nearly obsolete, but the "smaller" 215/70R14 tires are still available with limited choices. I replaced my Aerostar cargo van with 15 inch 1999 Explorer rims using 215/70R15 tires to match the circumference of the stock 215/75R14 factory tire size.

I have since then transferred the 1999 Explorer rims and tires to my current 1993 Aerostar passenger van. The tires are too big by almost 4%. The proper 15 inch tire to upgrade the 14 inch (215/70R14) is 215/65R15.

Oversized tires results in decreased fuel economy and lesser performance.
I know because I drive over 160 miles per day. The Aerostar cargo van tires (215/75R14) are a bit too big in circimferance for the Aerostar "passenger" (215/70R14) van.

My next tires purchase will be 215/65R15. They almost match 215/70R14.


:-X18

As long you can put the bench seats back into the car, the insurance will take additional Passengers in account. In Germany and Switzerland we need to cut or weld off the Hooks from the Floor to get registered as Cargo-Vehicle. Those Hooks are great to securely fasten delicate Deliveries with Straps to the Base. Last winter i've delivered to St.Moritz Clinics an heavy Breast-Cancer Somograph that way, hundred times worth the value of my Aero( :-X19 ) - Mission impossible without the Hooks.
So i will leave it as is, even with the slight savings in Insurance-Payment for Cargo-Vehicles unused.

greets & have good ride