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GIPSY 4x 4
Page 112
Page 113
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with rigid axles and leaf springs
ARANGE of Austin Gipsy 4 X 4 utility vehicles with leaf springs and rigid axles at the front and rear will be a feature of the company's Show exhibits, but it is notable that the production of vehicles equipped with Flexitor independent rubber suspension is continued to meet a steady demand for this type. New features are common to both types and include improvements to the cab and bodywork.
Vehicles with leaf-spring suspension have been produced to cater for particular operating conditions in some overseas countries, but it is emphasized by the company that independent suspension offers the maximum comfort over normal types of rough ground. The leaf springs offer a special advantage when the vehicle is, for example, travelling over a deeply furrowed surface at an angle and a major part of its weight is supported by diagonally opposite wheels.
With the leaf-spring system, a lift on one wheel of an axle has relatively little effect on the road contact pressure on the transversely opposite wheel because of the tilt of the axle, and this aids traction, whereas the lack of load transfer in the case of an independent system reduces the available traction. Reduced roll resistance has little practical effect on the suspension characteristics and the use of leaf springs is favourable with regard to distribution of chassis stresses. Increased traction is partly a function of the reduced spring base.
Both versions are included in the new Mk. 4 range of vehicles, the leaf-spring models being known as the SE (semi-elliptic) type and the rubber-sprung vehicles as the Fl (fully independent) type. Offered in wheelbases of 90 in. and 111 in„ both the SE and the FI ranges include soft-top and hard-top models and pick-ups.
The semi-elliptic springs are of the undersIung type and are equipped with Silentbloc bushes at the front and rear, the spring eye centres being 36 in. and 48 in. respectively. The front springs of all the models each have six leaves, whilst the rear springs of the long-wheelbase and shortwheelbase models have 11 leaves and seven leaves respectively, the width of the springs being 2.5 in. in every case. Berry safety clips are fitted all round and also Armstrong shock absorbers, telescopic units being used at the front F24 and the piston type at the rear. It is claimed that these eliminate any tramp tendencies which might accrue frau the increased unsprung weight of the final drive an( suspension system. The front axle is equipped with radiu! arms with Harrisfiex rubber bushes to absorb brakin torque, whilst the rear suspension is the type introduced or the Gipsy long-wheelbase model some two and a half year! ago. The vehicle is available to special order with 9.0015 sand tyres and modified wings.
Basically similar to the chassis of the original models the tubular frame of the SE range now incorporates robust channel-section rear cross-member mounted on the ends of the longitudinals, which provides for the eas) attachment of towing equipment for caravans, croi sprayers, and so on. The front cross-member has beer moved forward some inches and a heavy-section channel, type bumper is fitted. Repositioning the engine 1.5 in ahead of its original mounting reduces the cab temperature and the use of an electric fuel pump eliminates vaporizatior troubles. Maintenance and servicing have been simplified particularly with regard to engine and steering-geal removal. The number of grease nipples has been reduce( to 10.
Features of the cab fittings of all the vehicles include a redesigned facia panel, which incorporates a locking glove box on the left side which can be used for mounting the instrument panel in the case of left-hand-drive models, the glove box being then positioned on the right side. Leg room has been increased by 2 in. and improved ven tilation is provided by vents in the sides.
A long-wheelbase hard-top and a short-wheelbase softtop leaf-spring model were subjected to an endurance-test run in which 15,700 miles were covered in 10 weeks. The route included sections in France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Yugoslavia, Greece, Turkey and Libya. Excessively rutted tracks were covered in Turkey and elsewhere and the test included 2,500 miles of desert.
The superstructure of the hard-top models comprises a roof, side panels and rear door of glass-fibre (mounted on the steel pick-up body), swaging being used in every case in the interests of stiffness. The swaged sections of the side panels can be cut out for the fitting of windows.
Glass-fibre sections in the form of a roof panel and a rear panel are also employed in the production of the cab. of the short-wheelbase pick-up. The steel bodies are now Rotodipped to provide an improved durability of finish.
Additional body improvements to the pick-ups include blanked-off rear quarter panels, which can be used as number plates. An oil-fuel temperature gauge is included in a three-in-one section of the instrument panel, whilst the speedometer incorporates flasher and main beam warning lights. A combined ignition and starter switch is fitted.
All models are available with the B.M.C. 2.2-litre petrol engine developing 72 b.h.p. at 4,000 r.p.m. (which has recently been up-rated from 62 b.h.p.) or the 2.2-litre diesel engine having an output of 55 b.h.p. at 3,500 r.p.m., maximum torque ratings of the units being 112 lb.-ft. at 1,500 r.p.m. and 89 lb.-ft. at 2,800 r.p.m. respectively. All vehicles are available with leftor right-hand steering.
Other detailed improvements applicable to all models include reduced clutch-pedal load, an organ-type accelerator pedal, repositioning of the gear lever and hand brake (a higher brake efficiency is obtainable), modified door locks, rearview mirror and demisting equipment, a higher squab with improved cushioning and a restyled front panel. The turning circle has been reduced to 35 ft. for the short-wheelbase model and 43 ft. for the long-wheelbase vehicle. The tailboard is now sealed and rubbing strips are fitted to the body floor. The doors are fitted with handles on the inside and also with pockets and a trimmed arm rest. Side windows have been stiffened and a grab rail on the passenger side is a standard fitting.