?chnical News
Page 16
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'mod updates range
e Cargo sleeper cab is the 3 width and height as the cab but is 536mm (21.1in) jer to accommodate its
e bunk, which measures /mm (74.8in) by 600mm in).
;cause of its additional ht — 163kg (359 lb) more than an equivalent day cab — the sleeper version is fitted with an hydraulic tilt ram but the normal Cargo torsion bars are left in place to assist with cab tilting and thus allow the ram to be lighter than otherwise would be necessary.
Right-hand-drive sleeper cabs will be available only with rear windows while left-hand-drive models will be available only with blanked-out rear windows. All sleepers will be fitted with a five-way roof hatch, roof marker lights and an audio "pre-equipment" pack which includes aerial, twin speakers and wiring to the dashboard.
Sleeper-cab 4x2 Cargo trucks will be available from October and sleeper 4x2 tractive units will follow in December. Ford does not Yet plan to offer the sleeper option on either tipper or tandem derivatives. Two new wheelbases, 3.3m and 3.52m (130in and 139in), will be on offer for tractive units with full air-brakes to allow the sleeper cab models to couple to semitrailers with 0.86m and 1.60m kingpin positions.
Ford's latest revisions to the Transit range include a brightening up of the interior trim and a new grille and smoke grey bumper under which is fitted a spoiler on some models.
Ford claims that attention to aerodynamic detail at the front of the Transit, including the use of the spoiler, has resulted in a reduction in the short wheelbase model's drag coefficient and led to a small improvement in fuel economy.
The availability of a 3.9:1 rear axle ratio for the first time on short wheel-base models with the 2.0 litre petrol and 2.4 litre diesel engines also helps fuel consumption, as well as lowering interior noise levels.
Both the 1.6 and 2.0 litre petrol engines fitted to Transits are now equipped with breakerless electronic ignition which Ford reckons should reduce servicing costs by seven or eight per cent, as well as improving cold starting and reliability.
Interior improvements on the latest Transits include a warmair bleed to the fascia vents for side-window demisting, a quieter three-speed axial fan for the heater; and an intermittent position for the wiper switch.
Two new options have been added to the Transit's list. These are load-lashing points on van models and anti-roll bars for high centre of gravity bodies. Two other options which hitherto have been offered only through Ford's Special Vehicle Operations are now more readily available as regular production options. These are overdrive (on third and fourth gears), and a 55 amp alternator.