It's good to know that the aerostar is that strong

 

Well your all wrong on this one. The Areostar as well as the erly explores are all Ranger frames. Thats right. They took a ranger frame and added suports out so they can put the wider body on it.

 

Have you looked underneath an Aerostar, bear 2x2? If you have then you must have bad eyesight. It doesnt have a ranger frame, the body and frame are one. If you dont believe me then look for yourself.

 

The frame is not very strong....I had to punch the VIN into the frame to get the truck certified in Germany and I was surprised how soft it was.

 

I re looked at the frame. It is not a true unit body because the frame is not formed into the floorpan.The frame flares out were it meets the body. It is some kind of hybrid... but it look as though it is based off a ranger frame design. I also see some spots were there are spot welds to the floor. I didn't try to dis anyone with my first reply. I do think it is a fairly good frame though since crash ratings were not too bad for Areostars.

 

My son and I were recently discussing the posts about engine removal, and thinking that the factory must have installed the engine before placing the body on top of the frame. Therefore it should be easier to get the engine out & in if the body could be raised clear off the frame, or at least tilt the front of the body up far enough to provide clearance. But these posts make it sound like the body is welded to the frame.
Can the body be cut loose with a torch to raise it up enough to do this, and then weld it back together again?
Ray Mac
fud2468@att.net

 

The engine drops out from the bottom. You take off the wheels and disconect all electricals and fuel lines. Disconnect transmition Un bolt and lower the entire K member (piece that the engine mounts to). Its best to refer to a manual first as I may have left out a step or 2 but thats the basics.

 

Yeah, I've seen the old posts on this. Seems like it shouldn't be that hard to do .
Ray Mac
fud2468@att.net

 

Fellas
The frame design is along the lines of the first Couriers which were just a Ford style Mazda. They were a semi unibody style of truck. As the Aero is. It has a boxed frame but for ride/strength/because it was cheap. They welded it to the frame, not like the Econos. Which is a true frame van.
The engine can come out from the front, if you have a cherry picker. You remove the grill/rad/ support/etc. Then take off the exaust manifolds. Its better not to have tranie come out with the engine. I have removed two engines from, friends of mine Aeros. And found it only took us about 2 hrs, if all went well. You don't have to screw around with those damn frame bolts. Also that is how the wreakers get them out.
I do wish they had put the spare inside though. I'm building a spare tyre box, cutting out the back floor. Then welding it in place. I know it will be a pain if, I have it packed. Only the two goldies are in the back when we travel. So getting to it will not be a problem. But I can have 5 Alum rims, and rotate the tyres with 5.
I will post it here, after I get it done. I hope Ford comes out with a Aero style van again. I always as my BOL, who works at Ford design/customer service. I gets a lot of people writing for a rear wheel drive van.