Aerostar 4X4

[Rulebreaker]

I took the rear axle shafts and my Explorer brake disc's to have some machine work done so I can finish the rear brakes. I also ordered an outer shaft and spring pad for the D44 from the graveyard so I can finish the front end. I've also decided to put a 3.5" block in the rear. This will put the rear about 1" higher than the front. Now I just need to sell some more of my B2 stuff so i can finish her. Everyone must be broke as I've had 3 buyers this week not show up. Christmas is just too expensive! Well Merry Christmas too all, I'll probably get back at her after Christmas. I can't wait to see her with the new front bumper, that will be the next big step. RB

 

[metalmacguyver]

I used Todd's writeup, but my shaft broke so I did my shaft a little different the second time. RB

what did you do different?

 

[86ford]

Once this ridiculously awesome build is done Ijust might have to drive my silly self up to MI to see this thing in person!!

i dont like 2 far from ya so i will split the gas if you go!

86

 

[Rulebreaker]

what did you do different?

If you machine the parts press them together and mig weld it, it will get small cracks in it and then shear. You need to take it to a professional welder and have it tig welded and thrown in quenching oil. I didn't see it being done so there maybe more to it than i remember. The shaft had a blue tint to it that i do remember. Then NEVER run the doubler in low when the case is in high. thats how I broke mine. RB

 

[Rulebreaker]

Well I took a second stab at my Xmember. Will this baby hold a Doubler? RB

Instead of extending the flat portion I extended the hoop however this makes for 2 splices instead of one. RB

 

[Black'03LevelII]

i dont live 2 far from ya so i will split the gas if you go!

86

sounds like a plan to me.

 

[86ford]

i am up in rocky river so i am all for the trip!

that cross member looks like a bastard child from an erector set!

86

 

[Rulebreaker]

i am up in rocky river so i am all for the trip!

that cross member looks like a bastard child from an erector set!

86

I really dont care what it looks like, as long as it don't break. RB

 

[metalmacguyver]

beefy joint on that x member! :thumby:

 

[Rulebreaker]

beefy joint on that x member! :thumby:

It's in and holding them up! RB

 

[Danger FX4 Ranger]

I had one of the engineer's at Ford look into the steering pump dilemma, and he said he's 90% sure i need to change pumps. So hopefully one of my RBV pumps will bolt up and take the serpentine pulley. I'll know shortly. RB

Very creative and different. I wish I had an Aerostar that badass growing up, but for some reason mom just didn't want one. How in the hell did you ever explain what you are doing to an engineer at Ford? Once completed, I vote your van as truck of the month!

 

[Rulebreaker]

Very creative and different. I wish I had an Aerostar that badass growing up, but for some reason mom just didn't want one. How in the hell did you ever explain what you are doing to an engineer at Ford? Once completed, I vote your van as truck of the month!

All i asked is "can i run a conventional power steering box with a rack and pinion pump" The funny thing is they spent like 4 hours pondering this and were not 100% sure of there "NO" answer. Someone must know the exact differences but they were not able to answer it with certainty. They too want to see it when finished. RB

 

[Rulebreaker]

I ordered a pair of Aussie lockers for her today!
Now I'm broke again.
RB

 

[86ford]

i mite be coming to raid whatever pile of b2 parts you have left since i got the motor back together today and havent had any issues.

86

 

[Rulebreaker]

I got the rotors back and drilled the new bolt pattern into them. How's it look?

RB