Aerostar Powertrain and Chassis Isolation Technology

The unitized construction Aerostar compact van and wagon models have been engineered to meet a variety of consumer transportation needs. The broad range of functional and image objectives have been attained by traditional design and development programs augmented by new developmental methods and isolation components.

State-of-the-art development methodologies applied early in the Aerostar program enabled prediction of the effects of design revisions intended to improve subsystem response characteristics and isolation. Developmental methods used included finite element analysis, modal analysis and synthesis, transmissibility measurements, torsional powertrain measurements, continuous wave laser holography, acoustical mode determination, acoustical intensity mapping and sensitivity studies used to project production ranges of quality.

Aerostar isolation improvement components include:

• Isolation refinements to powertrain and chassis mountings
• Compound shear isolated transmission support cross member
• New multi-layered flexible exhaust coupling
• Structural oil pan and stiffened clutch housing and transmission cases
• Lightweight aluminum driveshaft
• Axle-mounted planar vibration absorber
• Tuned and silenced engine induction systems