The Ford One.tonner.
Page 14
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Overhead Worm Drive the Outstanding Feature.
THE MUCH-HERALDED FORD one-ton lorry has at last made its commercial debut. While, as the accompanying illustrations "show, the . familiar features of the Ford passenger car are incorporated in this vehicle, yet there are one or two new and,noteworthy details, such as the final worm drive, which, indeed, constitutes the salient departure from passenger-vehicle design. The engine, gearbox and other_ essential details are identical with those of the
B46
model " T " passenger ear. The chassis, however, is longer, the wheelbase being 10 ft. 3 ins., while heavier side members are provided.
The final drive follows the overhead worm type, the ratio in the worm gear being 7.26 to 1, giving a total gear ratio in low load of 19.9 to 1, and a total radius in reverse of 29 to 1. From the worm, the drive transmission passes through the bevel gear differential and semi-floating rear axle to the rear wheels. Proriulsion stresses are taken up through radius rods which are pivoted at the outer ends of the rear axle, and through the tube which surrounds the propeller shaft. The driving torque is taken through the torSion tube surroundifig the propeller shaft.
The springs are identical with those used on the Ford passenger car,Ithe only difference being that the rear spring is made heavier to withstand the greater load. It is of the transverse type with an ,arch in the centre. Solid single 32 X 3 tyres • are fitted to the rear wheels, while the front wheels arc shod,with 30 x 3 pneumatics.
The.Ford Co. proposes to sell the lorry in chassis form onlY: This decision leaves the user free to choose a body which will fulfil his requirements to the best advantage. At the moinent, the producing capacity of the factory is 25 lorries a, day, but this is •to be doubled immediately. The chassis price is £120 for the present, but is subject to revision at an early date.