Here's some things I have planned for the coming yr.
1. I have to replace the inner/outer rockers, side panel. and custom paint.
2. I'm redoing the inside, great shape, but alil ruff in the back.
3. Installing a PS2/DVD. Have a VHS now and old PS.
4. Redo my exaust back to duels.
5. Install rear discs. Ranger or Explorer set. They do fit, same part number as the FORD setup you can buy for 800$ Cdn. Getting it all for 50$ Cdn.
6. Cutting the rear floor and making a spare tyre spot, buying 5 new 15" rims.
7. Saw a nice front end from a Ranger on one, can get that for 15$ Cdn.
8. Minor things such as a new Trans cooler, oil cooler.
9. replacing the rear AC lines, if I can get them or if I cannot buy steel line. If not I'll make them full rubber instead of steel.

Cost to do this is 2000-3000$, plus my time. But to get a new Aero, it's worth it. Better than buying a 40-50K FWD, NO ROOM Freestar.
Will be posting pics start to finish, I hope starting in Jan 06.

 

mods to get 31 mpg out of a 3.0 shorty 2wd:

#1 first I put a K&N cone shaped filter right onto the throttle body, just measure the outer diameter of the TB and buy the cone that fits, be sure to measure the clearance between the TB and fan shroud, I had to notch my shroud a lil bit.

#2 then I splt the exhaust where it comes to a "Y" shape where the O2 sensor is, cut out the cat, and that other thing that looks like a cat, ran into one glasspack muffler for each side, dumped out in front of the passenger side rear wheel. LOUD as heck, wont do it to the new aero.

#3 I replaced the distributor cap and rotor with ones that have brass points instead of the aluminum ones. that one shaved easily another 5mpg for some odd reason, i dunno why.

#4 bypass the AC compressor with a shorter belt.even when the ac isnt on, there is still rolling resistance on the belt, get rid of it. just tell the parts dude you dont have ac when getting the new belt. in the summer if you cant live without ac, put the belt back on.

I got 31 mpg consistantly on 260 mile trips from oregon to washington, doing 70mph on I-5 the whole way. anything over 70 guzzled the gas horribly.

 

Really interested in hearing about rear disc brake conversion???

part numbers, model years and parking brake conv.?

 

As I stated, I will be posting the work. As for parts any ford dealer can give you the numbers. They have a rear brake convertion kit, or just look for an Explorer/Ranger rear brake setup.

 

I think all of his mods will have a positive effect on mileage, they seem like basic engineering to me. I do question the brass contact thing though, unless it causes a spark advance. I do know that a smaller spark gap will slightly advance timing because the lower spark voltage that'causes is arrived at sooner by the spark system. However a larger gap lights the fire better.

Ken