Hi Folks,
As some of you may be aware, one of my '53 projects is based on the pic in my signature which is going to have the complete drive train from a '97 Aerostar 4WD. Originally that plan called for taking everything including the front and rear suspension and putting it all on a custom built from scratch box tube frame. Several people have commented on the use of the rear axel and suspension from the Aerostar by expressing concern for the ability of the bearings to carry the load. Also there has been some discussion leaning toward the need for IRS. If I were to go that route I need to find something that is compatible gear ratio wise to the Aerostar rear end because of the 4WD system. It would seem to me that the closest possible donor for this job would be the T-Bird.

Here are my questions... Is it possible to find a T-Bird IRS that will have or can be converted to the gear ratio I need? Second, considering the weight of the Aerostar body shell and possible passenger and/or cargo load, can the T-Bird IFS handle it? I ask this in regard to durability and weight carrying capacity of the bearings as well as the coil springs and suspension components.

I am still not totally convinced that it would not be as good or better to stick with the Aerostar rear siupension and axel system. Of course the T-Bird would have Disc brakes but I think the Aero can be converted.

Basically I'm just looking for opinions based on actual knowledge of components, their strength and compatibility and experience with them.

One other point, I havenmt looked at the axel code on the Aero let to see what the ratio is. I will try to get that before posting any further on this thread.

Later Folks...

 

Hi Dave,
From what I can recall, the Aerostar 4wd's all had the 8.8" rear diff.

Just like the Explorers, and F150's and should be able to handle the load. Unless, of course you plan on hauling a big trailer or something.

Since you mentioned your swapping the complete drivetrain I assumed you're not trying to built a big towing machine.

 

Hi Thunder,
Your assumption is correct... I have no intention of pulling anything big or for long distances. My concern was more directed at the vehicle weight and possible cargo/passenger load.

I checked out the axel code which is B4 and that should be a 3.73 Traction Lock according to what I have looked up. I would prefer to keep that as the tranny has an overdrive gear.

There is still plenty of time to decide because I probably won't be getting into building the chassis before May.

Thanks for your reply.

Later Man...

 

What is the total weight of the pickup and the front vs rear weights
what are the same weights for the Aerostar.

EDIT: found this in my what if file. Thats all I have - Don't remember if it was the 4x4 version

97 Aerostar
-Weights: gross vehicle weight rating (kg) 2,404, curb weight (kg) 1,560 (3432lb), gross trailer weight braked (kg) 1,769, gross trailer weight unbraked (kg) 454, front axle weight (kg) 1,202 (2644lb), rear axle weight (kg) 1,338 (2943lb), max legal load (kg) 844 and max trailer noseweight (kg) 45

 

Hi Dick,
Right now I have no idea about weight. It would be somewhere in the range of an Aerostar with a truck frame added to the weight/ I am sure that the front wheel drive components add to the weight of the standard Aerostar long body. I cant imagine there would be too much difference in the F-100 cab weight vs. the front section of the Aerostar. I can't believe it would be more than 300#.

I think the biggest issue would be increaseing the strength of the coill springs both front and rear and in the case of using the T-Bird IRS I would think the same if the rest of the components can take it.

Later Man...

 

That would be a match of the spring rate from the aerostar to the T-Bird and how tall the spring is.

 

87-97 birds (last big birds)
curb weight
3,536 lb (1,604 kg) (1989 V6 model)
3,725 lb (1,690 kg) (1995 V8 model)

Looks like the t-bird is rated more than the aerostar

Put all the parts in a big ol C-ment mixer and add some prime and paint.

 

What it comes down to is a wait and see what works situation. At this point I'm just gathering info and opinions which will probably have some influence on desisions down the road.

Later Man...