Ford Transcontinental.
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Page 59
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Its individual strengths.
Engine. Maximum Torque, Minimum Servicing.
The Transcontinental is powered by the internationally proven Cummins NH/NT Series of 6cylinder in-line diesel engines: 245 DIN-PS naturally aspirated, 273 DIN-PS turbo-charged, and 308, 340 DIN-PS turbo-charged and after-cooled.
They are designed to run 300,000 miles between major overhauls and 12,500 miles between oil changes. Maximum torque is generated at around 1,400 rpm and produces a "flat" torque curve over a wide engine speed range, reducing gear changes and resulting in excellent road performance, economy and durability.
Cummins 340 DIN-PS Engine * Unique pressure-time fuel system ensures high power with good economy. Self-adjustment maintains smoke control and economy for longer periods • without attention.
* Turbo-charger improves fuel consumption, lowers exhaust noise and gives cleaner exhaust emission. (I) * After-cooling results in even more power, better economy and lower exhaust temperatures. (2) * Good breathing is assured by four valves for each cylinder and a large 'Farr' air filter, the element of which needs changing only every I00,000 miles in normal road use. (3) * The high-capacity cooling system includes a power-saving, noise-reducing viscous driven fan and a coolant level indicat% inside the cab. (4) Proven reliability and durability combined with precision and high mechanical efficiency were the overriding aims in selecting each driveline component.
* The Spicer dry twin-plate clutch has greater lining area for longer life, is self-adjusting and incorporates a clutch brake. Angled clamping springs reduce pedal effort. (5) * The Eaton Fuller Roadranger gearbox has 9 or 13 speeds. This gearbox is of constant mesh design with twin countershafts which reduce bearing loads to ensure maximum durability. A specially developed linkage and a clutch brake make for speedy and precise changes. (6) * The drive shaft angle is shallow to minimise wear in the universal joints. Nylon-coated sliding splines need no lubrication (7). * The Rockwell single-reduction hypoid axle is big, robust and simple, designed for maximum efficiency and durability. (8) * A cross-axle differential lock is standard or optional equipment, according to model, and all tandem models have an inter-axle lock as standard.
Frame, Steering, Brakes. Maximum Reliability, Minimum Maintenance.
In each of these systems the objectives have been maximum reliability with minimum maintenance.
* Side members are made from 110,000 psi yield-strength, hightensile, heat-treated steel for strength with flexibility — no flitching is needed. Frame is of all-bolted construction for accurate alignment for the life-time of the truck and has flat top flanges for easy body mounting. (9) * Suspension has shock absorbers and anti-roll bars front and rear. Two leaves of each spring are wrapped around the spring hanger bush for doubled reliability. (to) * Rear hanger brackets are part forged, part cast for high strength and easy access to the shackle pins and bushes.
* Recirculating ball steering has power assistance built into the box on the driving side, balanced by a slave ram on the other.
* Oil-lubricated front hubs reduce maintenance costs and increase durability. (ii) * Easy service access is achieved through hinged panels at the front of the cab or through tilting the cab itself.
* Twin-wedge two leading-shoe, air-operated brakes provide great stopping power and long life. Other features include automatic adjustment of lining to drum clearance (wear can be checked visually in a few minutes), small-bore colour-coded nylon brake lines for speedy response and durability, failsafe spring parking brakes and an airoperated shutter-type exhaust brake. (12) Electrics. The details are the key.
Attention to detail is the key to guarding against electrical failure.
* Double-pole wiring eliminates the possibility of shorting through poor connections.
* All major systems are 24V except headlamps which are for longer life. pin connectors, are each used where appropriate for maximum reliability.
* The alternator is protected by a heavy-duty fuse, and manual re-set circuit breakers instead of fuses are fitted for easy fault-location and speedy maintenance. (r3) * Cables are protected by wrapping and conduits, and run in a special corridor in the frame side members. (I4)