Automatic diesel
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• Automatic Transmission Services of Letchworth is offering operators the option of a four-speed automatic gearbox on Ford and Freight Rover diesel-engined light commercials up to 3.5-tonnes gross weight.
ATS has developed its own bell housing and back plates allowing it to fit the Ford A4LI) automatic box-used in Granada and Sierra cars — to the 2.5-litre di Transit, and 1.8 and 2.5-litre diesel Freight Rover Sherpas, as well as naturally-aspirated diesel-engined Volkswagen LT and lveco Daily models.
The A4LD box weighs around 69kg and is rated for a maximum input torque of 540Nm (398 lbft). ATS claims it is particularly suitable for minibus application. It has the added advantage over the current direct-top Ford A3 automatic three-speed box (offered on petrol Transits) by having an overdrive top 0:75:1 ratio.
Conversion time is around two weeks, although this can be reduced with large vehicle orders. Cost is between £1,500 to £1,800 depending on the individual model.
ATS offers its own warranty on the Ford A4LD box, and is one of the Automobile Association's newly-appointed automatic transmission specialists.