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  1. #1

    Default aerostar awd driveshaft

    is it worth it. is it a big weight savings.what are the pros and cons on this swap.

  2. #2
    FEP User vern2.3's Avatar
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    Since you're dealing with a Fairmont, if you want to go to an aluminum driveshaft the Aerostar is the only affordable route I can think of. Otherwise it would be an expensive custom built from scratch unit.

    Is it worth it? Just put the Aerostar shaft on the scales and then put your stock steel shaft on the scales. The aluminum shaft is easily worth the weight in rotating mass of your drivetrain.

    I know guys who will spend a couple of thousand bucks to remove that much rotating weight from their flywheel, clutch and engine.
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  3. #3

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    Yes it is worth it. You will most likely have to take it to your local driveline shop and get it rebalanced with your yokes. Id recommend only using spicer u-joints too, you'll need either two 1310 joints, or two 1310-1330 conversion joints (depending on the yokes you currently have).

  4. #4

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    ok i will pick one up

  5. #5
    FEP Power Member 86-TC/SVO's Avatar
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    You can try for one out of a Crown Vic and some 2WD Rangers. I had a Ranger one shortened and ballenced for my 86 TC.

    To me the Aerostar is on the thin side if you have alot of torque or like to spin your tires. I've seen one that has twisted before.
    86' SVO 1C # 17 of 3379 86's #6475 of 9837
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  6. #6
    FEP Power Member slow84lx's Avatar
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    You can also look for a '93 Mark VIII driveshaft. It is longer but can be shortened and is plenty stout.

  7. #7
    FEP Senior Member Tigger's Avatar
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    I put one in my Saleen a few years back. My original shaft weighed 16lbs. The aluminum one with my Mustang yoke and axle flange weighed in at 7lbs which is a 9lb weight savings.
    67 Mustang Coupe
    96 Tangerine GT
    86 Saleen #179

  8. #8

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    I have one. It is the same diameter as a fox shaft, but smaller diameter than the FMS AL shaft. I don't see you hurting it unless you have a good amount of power and you are launching on slicks.
    1981 T-top coupe - FEP #28
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  9. #9
    FEP Super Member onetrackrider's Avatar
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    What year Areostar??
    Current rides:
    89 LX 5.0, 5 -spd..the Lemon
    86 RS Capri 5.0 Auto...
    86 LX Colorado SSP 5.0 5-spd (Sadly Sold)
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    83 RS Capri 5.0, 5-spd (another sadly sold)

  10. #10

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    Its not an aerostar driveshaft you need nor a Crown vic nor Ranger. It a Explorer for a Fairmont that is, the 1997 4 door V6 2WD Explorers will fit with NO cutting or ballancing required. All you will need is the conversion u joints to put your yoke and flange on. do a search on Fairmont driveshaft for more info. And to anwser your question it is worth it, i shaved about 12 pounds of m fairmont swaping my d-shaft for an exploder one.
    Last edited by dragfairmont351; 08-19-2012 at 11:30 PM.
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  11. #11
    FEP Member LSCR351's Avatar
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    let me add to that information alittle.
    A 1992-2001 Explorer 4dr 4.0 A/T 2wd driveshaft will work, but there are 2 different ones with the same 51.5" length. The 92-94 Explorer driveshaft has the smaller u-joint size like the Fairmont. The 1995-2001 Explorer has the larger size u-joints like the 1990-2004 Mustangs.


    Now for some useless information:
    An 87-93 Mustang 4cyl. A/T 43" driveshaft is the correct length when swapping a 5.0 V8 into a 2dr 2wd Explorer.
    A 96-2001 Explorer V8 2wd 53" driveshaft is the correct length to swap into a 84-92 Lincoln Mark VII to get rid of that vibrating double rear u-joint.

  12. #12
    FEP Senior Member Tigger's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by onetrackrider View Post
    What year Areostar??
    I believe the 96 and 97 AWD Aerostar vans have the welded ends. 95 and earlier ones have pressed in ends. I believe the one I got was out of a 96.
    67 Mustang Coupe
    96 Tangerine GT
    86 Saleen #179

  13. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by kbernal1016 View Post
    Yes it is worth it. You will most likely have to take it to your local driveline shop and get it rebalanced with your yokes. Id recommend only using spicer u-joints too, you'll need either two 1310 joints, or two 1310-1330 conversion joints (depending on the yokes you currently have).
    I got one from a 94, must have been a recall fix because it had welded ends.
    Replacement 86 Mustang U joints fit properly, no conversion joints needed. No vibrations, even using the Aerostar front yoke with the dampener on it. I tried to use my stock yoke, but with the IRS it's a straight shot from trans to the diff, and was even a slightly tight fit with the aerostar yoke.
    1983 GLX vert
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    1986 Mustang Gt
    95 longblock w/smog bumps removed/TFS1 cam/Explorer intake/Hedman Long tubes/Mac catback 252hp/311tq
    .
    13.05@102.55

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