Hi all.
I'm looking for some info i have to replace my rear brakes and turn the drums however i'm interseted in replacing the rear shoes with quality parts other then OEM parts and i'm looking for suggestion as to the type and brand i should buy. I also have to turn the drums however i might have to replace them then i'll go for a better then OEM replacement as this is our daily driver with over 50 mile a day driven.
tx

 

What year and how many miles do yo have on your Van?
Depending on miles, *I* personally would not have the drums turned. Not worth the time or money. Just replace them. The rear brakes on the Aerostar are not used real hard when stopping. So, I would have to ask you why you feel the drums need replaced/turned? I replaced my rear shoes at 86K and still they had pletty of pad left. There are good quality after market brake pads/shoes that will stop your Van just as well as so called "High quality" shoe/pad.

Just my opinion.

 

My rear drums lasted 100K (I changed my shoes before they are even close to 2 mm) and I did as the previous owner. I put new ones on, even though I could have reused them. Between age and heat, they develop small cracks that lead to warping and pulsing. You can check for this and out of round conditions, but, for the function they perform and the parts being so cheap, with 100K on them, I figured $80 ($2x$40) was not that bad. Especially if they were going to last another 100k.

It was the fronts that keep wearing out fast, 15k-25k. I finally ditched the Ford pads once the truck was out of the 75K warranty and bought the most expensive semi-metallic pads at Autozone. They have held up well.

 

Sorry I have a 96 4L ext awd with 180 + Km on it, I bought it used and I believe that this is the first time the rear brakes have been done. The rear brakes are wearing on the inside and not flat therefore I have to either replace at a cost of approx $100.00 per or turn the drums @ $15.00 per.
I am also looking to replace rear shoes with Raybestos (blue box) type and the wheel cylinders and the springs. The wheel cylinders do not at this time require replacement however they will in a year or 2 and soon will leak therefore I will have to replace the shoes again. So I am changing it all now and don't have to worry about it later. As you know the front wear more then the rears and I hope to get another 150 k on the van
I'm located in Canada on the west coast and I'm limited to the brand of replacement parts i.e. I can not get a rear sway bar for my van and I have phoned everyone in the city for one. So I'm under the impression that vehicles in the sates and here although the same type came with different options.
just for note:A muffle replacement for my van cost upwards of $200.00 depending on the shop.
I read in a post about puting synthic oil in the block 5w-30 is there any concern with compatibly of seals and is a flush recommnaded before useage. thought plse
Mark