Changing Springs
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 1
From: Mitchell, SD
I have not done the front springs on a 2wd, but the rear a PIA. Getting the old ones out was not too tuff, but getting the new ones in, yea, the new ones were about a foot longer. The old ones were 19 years old and were sagging big time.
I ended up using a strut spring compressor and a pry bar to get the new ones on. Once bolted in they were good.
I ended up using a strut spring compressor and a pry bar to get the new ones on. Once bolted in they were good.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
Unless you go with custom made springs, you're going to need air bags in the rear springs. I towed 4000 lbs+ travel trailer for several years with my AWD Ext. with rear air bags, rear anti-sway bar, KYB Gas-a-just high pressure nitrogen shocks and easy lift weight transfer hitch.
Nice feature of air bags and 12v compressor is ability to change ride as load and road conditions change.
Really cuts out the road side to side seasick roll of the stock Aero.
Nice feature of air bags and 12v compressor is ability to change ride as load and road conditions change.
Really cuts out the road side to side seasick roll of the stock Aero.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island, BC
Unless you go with custom made springs, you're going to need air bags in the rear springs. I towed 4000 lbs+ travel trailer for several years with my AWD Ext. with rear air bags, rear anti-sway bar, KYB Gas-a-just high pressure nitrogen shocks and easy lift weight transfer hitch.
Nice feature of air bags and 12v compressor is ability to change ride as load and road conditions change.
Really cuts out the road side to side seasick roll of the stock Aero.
Nice feature of air bags and 12v compressor is ability to change ride as load and road conditions change.
Really cuts out the road side to side seasick roll of the stock Aero.
https://www.airliftcompany.com/vehicles/ford/aerostar/1995/
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 227
Likes: 12
From: St Louis, MO
I used MOOG Variable Rate - Cargo Coil Springs
These Moog cargo control coil springs are designed as a direct fit for your vehicle. They are made from high-quality steel and are painted black for durability. These springs are ideal upgrades for vehicles that carry heavy loads. They are variable rate springs that change resistance as they compress, and they become progressively stiffer as the load increases. These cargo coil springs automatically adjust to changing load conditions to maintain proper chassis height and smooth ride characteristics.
2 WD Rear MOOG PN: CC841
2 WD Front MOOG PN: CC850
You can find them just about anywhere - eBay, Summit Racing, Rock Auto, etc.
AWD Rear MOOG PN: CC845
These Moog cargo control coil springs are designed as a direct fit for your vehicle. They are made from high-quality steel and are painted black for durability. These springs are ideal upgrades for vehicles that carry heavy loads. They are variable rate springs that change resistance as they compress, and they become progressively stiffer as the load increases. These cargo coil springs automatically adjust to changing load conditions to maintain proper chassis height and smooth ride characteristics.
2 WD Rear MOOG PN: CC841
2 WD Front MOOG PN: CC850
You can find them just about anywhere - eBay, Summit Racing, Rock Auto, etc.
AWD Rear MOOG PN: CC845
Last edited by DFord; Oct 2, 2017 at 09:36 AM. Reason: added more information
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island, BC
[QUOTE=DFord;17499677]I used MOOG Variable Rate - Cargo Coil Springs
These Moog cargo control coil springs are designed as a direct fit for your vehicle. They are made from high-quality steel and are painted black for durability. These springs are ideal upgrades for vehicles that carry heavy loads. They are variable rate springs that change resistance as they compress, and they become progressively stiffer as the load increases. These cargo coil springs automatically adjust to changing load conditions to maintain proper chassis height and smooth ride characteristics.
2 WD Rear PN: CC841
2 WD Front: CC850
You can find them just about anywhere - eBay, Summit
ok. Are the awd front springs different?
These Moog cargo control coil springs are designed as a direct fit for your vehicle. They are made from high-quality steel and are painted black for durability. These springs are ideal upgrades for vehicles that carry heavy loads. They are variable rate springs that change resistance as they compress, and they become progressively stiffer as the load increases. These cargo coil springs automatically adjust to changing load conditions to maintain proper chassis height and smooth ride characteristics.
2 WD Rear PN: CC841
2 WD Front: CC850
You can find them just about anywhere - eBay, Summit
ok. Are the awd front springs different?
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,017
Likes: 209
From: SoCal
Unfortunately, the front springs for the AWD Aerostar are unique, and almost impossible to find.
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 348
Likes: 11
From: Longmont, CO
Moog cargo coils with airbags inside the springs for sure. You can also add air shocks, but only if you have the bags. Your van should be heavy enough for the ride to be good with the air shocks.
How much does your van weigh empty? (No cargo, people, etc) I'm curious how much all the additional camper stuff weighs.
.
How much does your van weigh empty? (No cargo, people, etc) I'm curious how much all the additional camper stuff weighs.
.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 227
Likes: 12
From: St Louis, MO
A couple of searches took me to this webpage:
https://www.carid.com/1997-ford-aero...5D%5B%5D=Front
I selected the AWD model and limited the search to only front springs. They show several from various manufacturers.
https://www.carid.com/1997-ford-aero...5D%5B%5D=Front
I selected the AWD model and limited the search to only front springs. They show several from various manufacturers.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,017
Likes: 209
From: SoCal
There's a small problem with the CarID listings; Moog CC841 is the rear spring for the RWD Aerostar, while CC850 is the front springs for the RWD. CC845 is the rear springs for the AWD Aerostar. Its free height is about 2 inches taller than CC841, and is about 20% stiffer. It WILL fit into a RWD van if you want to give it higher load capacity, but it will make the rear end sit about an inch higher.
The correct front spring for the AWD Aerostar is the Moog CC8606, which Moog may or may not still make. However, it looks like Rockauto carries a version made by Husky, RC8606, which is supposed to work.
Just for reference, the CC850 spring has an ID of about 4", while the CC8606 has an ID of about 3.5", which is similar to front springs used in Ford's Fox platforms (Fairmont, Mustang), except it's taller and much stiffer for the heavier Aerostar.
The correct front spring for the AWD Aerostar is the Moog CC8606, which Moog may or may not still make. However, it looks like Rockauto carries a version made by Husky, RC8606, which is supposed to work.
Just for reference, the CC850 spring has an ID of about 4", while the CC8606 has an ID of about 3.5", which is similar to front springs used in Ford's Fox platforms (Fairmont, Mustang), except it's taller and much stiffer for the heavier Aerostar.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island, BC
Great info, thanks.
The forum sticky lists the [Raybestos (4WD) Heavy Duty, rear only]. The camper won't really need variable rate, as the camper package is pretty static. Are these Raybestos springs single rate HD?
I assume it's these:
For some reason the link doesn't go to the page. It's this: dubdubdub-dot amazon.com/Raybestos-587-1080-Professional-Grade-Spring/dp/compatibility-chart/B001QVA7LY
The forum sticky lists the [Raybestos (4WD) Heavy Duty, rear only]. The camper won't really need variable rate, as the camper package is pretty static. Are these Raybestos springs single rate HD?
I assume it's these:
For some reason the link doesn't go to the page. It's this: dubdubdub-dot amazon.com/Raybestos-587-1080-Professional-Grade-Spring/dp/compatibility-chart/B001QVA7LY
Last edited by davran; Oct 2, 2017 at 01:08 PM. Reason: link didn't work.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,017
Likes: 209
From: SoCal
I think all the standard springs available for the rear of Aerostars are variable rate.
That Raybestos part appears to be the equivalent replacement for the AWD rear springs.
Looking more at the fronts, it appears the Moog 8606 is the stiffest standard spring made in that size, and the standard application are the heaviest Fox bodied Thunderbirds and Cougars. Not sure if they're stiff enough for the extra weight of the AWD Aerostar, even if Husky claims they will work.
According to Moog's specs, the load rating of the 8606 spring is 1900 pounds at normal ride height. If you assume that the load point at the end of the control arm is twice the distance from the inner pivot as the spring seat, then the effective load rating is 850 pounds at the tire. With both front springs, the effective load is 1900 pounds. With the AWD extended van weighing over 4000 pounds, I think the front springs need to be stiffer, so I don't think the Moog 8606 or equivalent is stiff enough for the Aerostar.
That Raybestos part appears to be the equivalent replacement for the AWD rear springs.
Looking more at the fronts, it appears the Moog 8606 is the stiffest standard spring made in that size, and the standard application are the heaviest Fox bodied Thunderbirds and Cougars. Not sure if they're stiff enough for the extra weight of the AWD Aerostar, even if Husky claims they will work.
According to Moog's specs, the load rating of the 8606 spring is 1900 pounds at normal ride height. If you assume that the load point at the end of the control arm is twice the distance from the inner pivot as the spring seat, then the effective load rating is 850 pounds at the tire. With both front springs, the effective load is 1900 pounds. With the AWD extended van weighing over 4000 pounds, I think the front springs need to be stiffer, so I don't think the Moog 8606 or equivalent is stiff enough for the Aerostar.
Junior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island, BC
The front end on my aero-camper isn't the saggy one, so the fronts can wait.
I'll get the moogs (cc845s if I read correctly), and may try the monroe coil-over shocks instead of the air-lift bags. http://www.monroe.com/en-US/e-catalog/58616
Thanks for the response and info.
I'll get the moogs (cc845s if I read correctly), and may try the monroe coil-over shocks instead of the air-lift bags. http://www.monroe.com/en-US/e-catalog/58616
Thanks for the response and info.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 7,017
Likes: 209
From: SoCal
Since the front springs are so rare, you want to do what you can to preserve them. One way to keep them living longer is to make sure the dampers (shocks) are working properly. Uncontrolled motion will be harder on the springs.
Having helper springs will also help preserve the springs. However, the experience of most users here found that Monroes do not keep their damping for very long.
Having helper springs will also help preserve the springs. However, the experience of most users here found that Monroes do not keep their damping for very long.