I'm just curious( for a future repair) are there other springs for my aerostar or are these specific only? The other question i have is, are there other rear sway bars for my van or is hellwig the only option for me getting a rear sway bar. I just cant afford $800 for a rear sway bar. I was thinking of not putting on one only if the price fits my budget. Thanks Brian

 

There are bars made by Addco and Helwig, but I don't think either of them cost $500. Here is a cheap source:

Hellwig® 7529 - Ford Aerostar 1986-1996 Rear Sway Bar

The model is 7529; I think that's what I have on my van. The main bar is attached to the axle through bushings clamped to the axle tubes. The fronts of the bar are attached through end links to brackets that clamp on to the control arms. No drilling was required.

When I was shopping for rear springs, I found variable rate springs, and cargo springs. I went with the latter.

Apparently front springs for the E4WD models are very hard to find; I'm still looking.

 

doesn't fit the 1997 Aerostar?

do you have to remove the under-body spare tire donut when this bar is fitted?

 

Someone once posted a review of the Hellwig install.

 

RojoStar, thanks as always, but the thread does not answer my questions.

does this kit fit a 1997 ? (the Carid page states 1986-1996)

and can you continue to store the spare tire donut in the same place?

 

Went out just now and can say the bar is 6 to 8 inches away from stock spare tire under full suspension compression.
(I'm deliberately imprecise because I now carry a larger 16" Town Car spare in the cabin)
Fyi, the Hellwig bar hangs about 1-1/2" below the axle but has to jut out to the rear to clear the diff, which it does at the very lower edge of the hatch.

Within current context, there is nothing unique about the '97. I would assume typo.

 

thanks RojoStar.

 

As I said, the Helwig kit uses clamps on the lower control arms and the rear axle housing. Unless those changed significantly from 1990 to 1997, the kit should fit.

And it doesn't come close to hitting the space saver spare mounted underneath. I haven't made any measurements to see if it will hit a full size spare though.

 

Most of of the Aero OEM space saver tires have died from rubber sidewall breakdown.
NOT safe to run.
Carry a full sized spare in the back chained to the floor seat anchor

 

I have several almost like new donuts I pick up at salvage yards, sometimes free, sometimes $10.00. Depends on the day of the month of the lady at the cash register.

 

Hello

I have a 1996 AWD with the Hellwig rear sway bar and a full size spare, 14", could be a 15". Plenty of room if it is the extended body! I hear the shorty needs the donut.

I am about to take my original donut to the Goodwill. Any takers? Free.
No visible rot, yet who trusts an 18 year old tire?

When I bought my 92 AWD it still had the original 14" Michelin's, replaced those with new 15"s on 94 Mustang Factory Alloys, now the speedo is more accurate. I am running 215/70/15's. Rear Hellwig and all polyurethane bushings in the Factory front sway bar with KYB Gas Adjust shocks all around. Nice upgrades.

Also have like new 3rd seat in Cocoa, mint condition. Took it out @ 29,000 miles. Non smoking - No stains or smells. Plus the original factory wheel covers aluminum also with less then 30k. Love to sell them.

Love my 96 Aerostar AWD XLT!

 

imo if the spare was kept out of the sun,its fine.

 

It was stored in the garage for much of 18 years.
It looks brand new, if some one wants to show or restore an Aerostar.
Here is a unique opportunity.

Otherwise, I will be taking to Good Will this next week.

97520 Free to anyone who wants it.

Thank you,