'THE CHASSIS
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• The new Transit's structure has not changed radically, but refinements to manufacturing techniques mean that equivalent models will be up to 50kg lighter than before. The biggest challenge was in keeping a common platform for FWD and RWD versions: both variants look the same from outside, although FWD models have a lower load floor (by 100mm) and correspondingly greater load volume.
High-roof models now have a pressed-steel roof: on the LWB high-roof model the blank has to be made from two sheets of steel laser-welded together: this is claimed to be the largest exterior pressing in production.
Chassis-cab models have redesigned chassis rails with a flat top that is 120mm lower than on the present model, despite larger wheels: all new Transits sit on 16in wheels. The suspension layout is substantially as before, although rear air suspension will be a factory option on rear-wheel-drive models. Braking is little changed (Ford still fits drums to the rear wheels) but front discs and pads are substantially larger.