Most tranny shops charge about $200 to pull a tranny and put it back in. The rear main costing $1300 is someone trying to rob you blind. You could get an entire engine for that price and have it installed. Pan gasket is cheap and easy to fix, a tranny shop might charge $40 or so to do it and change the tranny fluid. Shocks and struts are cheap, front shocks cost my $79 installed at PepBoys. Master cylinder is also a cheap part and easy to install. For the price of a few new car payments you can fix most everything wrong with your Aerostar (minus rust). It's up to you, but the 4x4 aerostars on Ebay usually sell for a good amount even with problems.

 

Again, thanks for the input. I started researching Aerostars and Windstars, but I still really want to keep MY Aerostar.

I have called an individual who does auto repairs and am awaiting his return call. He's a friend-of-a-friend guy.

I really want an Aerostar because it is perfect for my family and me, but I don't know what I will get for sure if I get a different one. At least I know what has and hasn't been done to mine.

I have already had the tranny rebuilt (2 yrs ago), the a/c replaced (last year - and it looks like I'll have to have it serviced AGAIN since it is out of warranty), and the other misc. repairs that I mentioned in my original post.

The rust is not as bad as I originally expressed. It is mostly confined to the rocker panels and the area around the wheel wells and running boards (which I want to have removed and the rust spots repaired).

The shop I just took it to made no mention of there being any rust or significant problems with the undercarriage so I still have hope.

I must admit that shopping for another van has been fun, BUT I am not impressed enough with the vans on the market to justify getting something other than what I already have.

Hopefully the mechanic will get back to me tonight with additional info. I will keep you all posted and...thanks AGAIN for the advice!

aerostargal

 

I saw in your last post that you're considering a Windstar. My mechanic says "steer clear". He doesn't like them, because he sees a lot of them in his shop!

They have lots of Quality Control issues, he says. When I was considering the Aerostar I have now, he said he likes them because they're good to work on and have stout components. I guess it's the benefit of a truck based chassis vs a car based one...

 

AeroStarGal did you look at this one?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&category=6223

A good buy probably and not too far away.

Also a good buy, but further away in Rochester NY
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...&category=6223

 

Windstars are crap. My daughters mother has one with 80,000 miles on it and the half shaft froze up going doen the highway and took out the trany and almost caused a wreck. It's built off of a taurus, the aerostar is based off of a ranger. If you want to sell it let me know how much you want for it, I could use an AWD van for the snow belt.

 

I am pleased to report that we will be keeping our 92 AWD extended.

We also now have a trustworthy mechanic who is a friend of a good friend. He took a look at the van today and felt confident that the rear main seal leak was very minor (I am adding a quart of oil every 1500 miles w/ oil changes every 3000 miles) and we could get years more out of her after we replace the exhaust, front and rear shocks and rear brakes. He is also going to fix some bushing thing that has to do with the tranny. Apparently the bushing thing is completely gone which explains the clunking noises I hear when the van is in reverse or turning.

I am going to scout the local salvage yards for parts to repair the sticking windows (we will lube it up good first to see if that takes care of the problem), missing ashtray and various other cosmetic fixes.

I really appreciate everyone's input. Now I am free to search for and F-150 super cab for the old man. Anyone interested in a 1966 F-100 Custom Cab long bed project truck w/ 60someK ORIGINAL miles?!

Enjoy your weekend all!

aerostargal