Ok, I searched, but i didnt find the answers to my questions.

First, What system does a 1993 Aerostar 4wd use? OBD II? I want to buy one of those cheap checkers, but i dont know which to buy.

Second, which rearend comes in the aerostars? 8.8?

Third, I was thinking of a v8 swap, will the 4wd tranny hold up to a slightly modded 5.0? also, will the bellhousing mount up without a problem?

Fourth, why havent i been coming here more often. There seems to be a bunch of great people here. I guess i now have reading material for my sleepless nights(pretty much every night)

thanks

 

As far as I know, the '93 uses and OBD-I system, also known as EEC-IV. (At least my '93 XL 2wd does). You can buy a cheap tester for between $20 to $30. While you can go the cheap route and get the one that beeps and flashes a light for the codes, I'd recommend you spend the extra $5 to $10 and get one that has a numeric readout. Also, get an extension cable, since the test port is under the hood, and the KOER (Key On, Engine Running) test requires you (or a helper) to be in the driver's seat.

As far as I know, the rear-end is an 8.8, yes.

As for the 4wd tranny holding up to a 5.0 - Slightly modded or not, my answer would be a big NO. The transmission used in the Aerostar is known as the A4LD. This transmission was used in Fords behind 4 and 6 cylinder engines, and is not designed for large amounts of power. The automatic transmission that came with most 5.0's was the AOD (and later, the AOD-E). If memory serves, they using different mountings. While it is possible to find or make an adapter, you would very likely burn out the A4LD, as well as the suspension, brakes, and possibly other systems. The Aerostar was not designed to be a speed machine. It is a people and cargo hauler. Used for those purposes, it works well.

Somewhere on the forum here is the report of someone who managed to fit a 5.0 into his Aerostar. It required extensive and costly modifications, and in the end, in my opinion, was not worth it.

To put the required modifications in perspective - The 4.0 that you have in the engine bay now is likely a tight fit - Pull the doghouse off and take a look. Imagine how much more room a 5.0 would take up, and then imagine yourself needing to work on it. Better yet, imagine paying a shop $65 an hour to work on it.

If you really want a 5.0, do it the right way, and get yourself an older Mustang - You'll have far more fun, and your repair bill will be much lower, since you're using, as mechanics say "The right tool for the right job".

I hope your stay here in the forums is an enjoyable and informative one - Have fun, and be safe!

 

I'm not sure what an 8.8 rear end is, but to find out what the rear end ratio is in your aerostar, check the tag on the driver side door post. Here's the key.

Code Ratio
Conventional
22 4.10
23 3.45
24 3.73
25 3.27
26 3.55
Traction-Lok
B2 4.10
B4 3.73
B9 3.55

 

I think it's not the 8.8 rear end. The standard is a 7.5" ring gear.

 

you can do the KOEO test without an extension cable, the check engine light flashes when any type od tested is connected.

 

alright, thanks guys. i actually talked the the owner of a local shop that is doing the 5.0 conversion right now. Its way too much work/money. thanks again

any recomendations on a tester?