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Weight watching Fords
Page 19
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CHANGES to the steering and rear suspension of Ford's Transcontinental have cut the weight of a typical model by around 200 kg (4 cwt) since introduction.
The first weight reduction was made in September 1978 with the introduction of the Cummins Series E or "Big Cam" engine. Weight was saved in the use of a new lighter turbocharger, an alloy oil cooler and filter assembly and the use of a new air filter.
In January 1979 further weight was saved by reducing chassis frame side member thickness on all models except 6x4 trucks.
The most recent changes include the power-assisted steering fitted to all models. The remote ram together with its associated hydraulic pipes and steering arm have been deleted and a fully integral Cam Gears steering unit is now fitted. An Eaton Marshall power steering pump also replaces the original pump.
All 4x2 variants now feature new reduced weight rear suspensions. The standard 10-ton springs now have five leaves instead of eight, the heavyduty 10-ton springs have six leaves instead of nine and the thirteen-ton springs have six leaves instead of ten.
Because the new springs have thicker leaves and are therefore stiffer, the rear antiroll bar diameter has been reduced.