I've been looking at the different galleries of the Aerostar front end instalations. The instalation it self apears to be fairly straight forward. It looks like the modifications are coming when a person tries to get an engine mounted in they're truck. I wonder how it would work to use a fuel injected V6 from an aerostar in a truck after the front end change. It doesn't look like there would be near as many modifications. Any one have thoughts or opinions on this?
Doc

 

I don't know the numbers that a V6 put out but the HP has to equal or beat the Flatheads. The toqure may be a limiting factor.
Besides that the V6 will look lost in the engine bay.

 

The later aerostars had a 4.0 (OHV) engine which put out like 175 HP (maybe????). The torque would be pretty low though. Also consider the transmissions behind them. Most of the older 4.0 (OHV) [pre 95] had an A4LD which is a horrible transmission. Some later ones had the 4R55E which is a computer controlled version of the same thing. Still weak.

If you were to go with a 4.0 SOHC from a newer explorer/ranger then the hp and torque would be a lot better. Mine has 207 HP. Not sure on torque, but better. It also has the 5R55E transmission. Still based on the old trans, but a lot of the weak spots have been replaced. Now you are getting into serious electronics though. Modules are all over my explorer.

They have an alarm built into the computer system that required the pats key to be in the ignition before it will start. You have to use the original steering column and the module that came with the engine. As far as I know....no one has found a way around this yet.

IMHO, you would be better off with a 302/AOD. Less cost involved (been done so may times-there are kits now), easier swap, and just as good of gas mileage. Better performance, better sound, better looks (in the engine bay),etc. Thats just my opinion though. What do I know.

 

Don't mean to be a thread hijacker, but would it be possible to swap a Aerostar front suspension on a Ranger frame?

 

4.0's torque may not be too bad, but I would still use a v8, simply for the size factor. it'd be like a 4 popper in a 70's dodge powerwagon.

 

Brian,
It sounds like you have some experience with Ranger/Explorer transmissions. I tow a 5000# trailer ocassionally and worry the most about the trans. I towed a fair amount with a 93 explorer without a problem, however I traded it at about 43 k miles. I am currently towing with a 95 Lincoln TC (120 k miles)which really does the job well. I had a 90 Ranger 4.0 AOD that I had to rebuild the trans at about 125 k but did not tow much with it. In addition to the TC I also have an 03 Ranger 4.0 AOD that I had planned to make my tow vehicle when I retire the TC. Note that Ford rates all of the above vehicles to tow 5000#. What do you think?

I apologize to all for "stretching this thread" (or just plain hyjacking this thread.) Perhaps Brian you could pm me.
Thanks Bill