I have an '86 Aerostar with a noisy rear end. I've had it checked by both my mechanic, and a transmission shop, and they both say it's the differential, not the wheel bearings. The quote to rebuild is $800, so I'm looking for a replacement. My question is: What years will interchange with my 2.3, 5-speed '86 Aerostar?

 

All Aerostars used the same unique rear axle; there were no other vehicles that used it. The only difference is between the 7.5" vs the 8.8" versions. Since you have a small 4 cylinder engine, you can use either; the 8.8" was installed with the 4.0 liter v6. But you might want to find a 7.5" version, just to save some weight.

 

Thanks, that helps a lot.