Hi all, I'm new to this group. My son and I are planning to replace the lower control arm bushings on a 93 Aerostar AWD. The rubber on the bushings is shot. What is the easiest way to do this? We plan to replace both left and right side bushings. The Haynes manual does not address this specific model, so we are "blind" on this one. Advice and/or directions and hints would be greatly appreciated. We are quite OK mechanically. Thanks in advance, Dave

Go to www.fordcds.com and get the 93/94 ISO for the trucks, get a blank CDR and using something that can take a CD image (ISO file) like Nero burn that to CD, then install on your PC. It's the Ford factory book on CD (free so the price is good too) and it should address this - the Haynes I believe covers only the rear wheel drive models. I'm pretty sure that once you get the drive components off that it should be the same as any other lower control arm bushing replacement but be careful to restrain the coil spring with a chain and bolts/nuts or a spring compressor tool so you aren't injured.   I've had a coil fly out when I was less experienced and took the front end apart on my 65 Impala SS - it luckily went past me but put a good sized hole in my garage wall even breaking the 2x4 stud.      

I have had to replace front springs on my RWD Aerostar, like you have been told once you get the front drive gear out of the way. It all should be the same as with the removal of a RWD van. There is a special spring compressor used on the Fords if I remember correctly that uses two plates to sandwich the spring and compress it safely, it works from the bottom of the lower control arm I think OTC makes it, I used to rent it from a tool rental place.   OTC Front Coil Spring Compressor Price: $266.44 - $435.54 Description from Arizona Tools: OTC 7045B Front Coil Spring Compressor. Used to compress front coil springs on most late model rear wheel drive GM, Ford and Chrysler vehicles where the spring is located between upper and lower control arms. Engineered for long life, four case-hardened, self-aligning plates ensure proper load distribution of tool components under tension.

  Then there is the dangerous way to remove them by jacking the van high enough for the lower control arm with a floor jack to swing all the way down and then pry the spring out while standing out of the way. To install you have to pry it back in place and have the floor jack under the lower control arm, so to jack it up as soon as you get it in. It is very difficult or at least it was for me, yet I got it in. Of course some items have to be removed and out of the way for the removal, figure it is common sense when you look at it.   At any rate good luck and play it safe.     Jaime
88 TC.
Hi all,

I'm new to this group.  My son and I are planning to replace the lower
control arm bushings on a 93 Aerostar AWD.  The rubber on the bushings
is shot.  What is the easiest way to do this?  We plan to replace both
left and right side bushings.  The Haynes manual does not address this
specific model, so we are "blind" on this one.  Advice and/or
directions and hints would be greatly appreciated.  We are quite OK
mechanically.

Thanks in advance,
Dave Attachment: [not stored]

This will work but the standard inside or even outside (like you use for strut springs) should also work as long as they are installed in the compressed state and will not interfere with moving the spring in or out of the vehicle. Once jacked up they simply keep the spring tight and you can either release them slowly once out or reinstall still compressed when done.   Since the lower bushings are being replaced changing both upper and lower bushings along with upper and lower balls joints and even the tie rod ends from the rack/pinion steering would be the best way to insure a proper rebuild. Then of course an alignment is in order.  

Ebay store seller has this for buy-it-now plus shipping just under $300 - if you really want to buy it. See item 4588427594 by putting the item number in the search box. Also see item 4557972006, abou the same, little more on shipping.