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1.13 Package and Ergonomics
1.13.1 General Component
Package Guidelines
WARNING: Do not modify, drill, cut
or weld any suspension
components, specifically the
steering gear system, subframe or
anti-roll bars, springs or shock
absorbers including mounting
brackets.
The Vehicle Converter has to ensure that
sufficient clearance is maintained under all drive
conditions to moving components such as axles,
fans, steering, brake system etc.
The Vehicle Converter is responsible for all
installed components during the conversion. The
durability has to be confirmed by appropriate test
procedures.
1.13.2 Driver Reach Zones
Controls and/or equipment required to be used
while driving should be located within easy reach
of the driver so as not to impair driver control
1.13.3 Driver Field of View
WARNING: Make sure that the
modified vehicle complies with all
relevant legal requirements.
1.13.4 Conversion Affects on
Parking Aids
WARNING: Ensure that monitors
mounted in the cabin meet the
interior package and safety
requirements
On conversions requiring a rear camera, the
reverse signal may be taken as described in the
electrical section, described in reversing lamps.
Refer to: 4.11 Exterior Lighting (page 116).
1.13.5 Aids for Vehicle Entry and
Exit
Steps
WARNINGS:
Make sure that the modified vehicle
complies with all relevant legal
requirements.
If this modification alters the
homologated dimensions, a new
approval may be necessary.
CAUTION: Make sure that
reinforcements are installed to
maintain the integrity of the original
body structure.
Steps can be ordered as an option on the base
vehicle. Please check for availability.
Where additional steps are installed the required
ground clearance line is to be maintained.
The Vehicle Converter must make sure that a
movable step is set in the stored position when
the vehicle is running. The step surface must be
non-slip.
Grab Handles
WARNING: Make sure that the
location of the no-drill zones are
checked before drilling.
CAUTION: Make sure that
reinforcements are installed to
maintain the integrity of the original
body structure.
Grab handles can be ordered as an option on
the base vehicle. Please check for availability.
NOTE: For further information please contact
your local National Sales Company
representative, or Local Ford Dealer. If they are
unable to help you then please contact the
Vehicle Converter Advisory Service at
[email protected].
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1.14 Package and Ergonomics—Specifications
1.14.1 Recommended Main Dimensions
WARNING: Do not modify the
wheelbase or add any type of frame
extension to vehicles fitted with
Interactive Vehicle Dynamics
(IVD)/Electronic Stability Program
ESP
NOTE: Extreme rear overhang may encourage
unacceptable loading conditions, which could
unload the front axle producing unacceptable
handling and braking characteristics
NOTE: When extending the length of the
wheelbase during conversion, do not increase
the overall length more than 50% of the
wheelbase of the donor vehicle. The maximum
legal overhang of the donor vehicle is 60%.
If a conversion requires more than 50% overhang,
please contact one of the below.
NOTE: For further information please contact
your local National Sales Company representative,
or Local Ford Dealer. If they are unable to help
you then please contact the Vehicle Converter
Advisory Service at [email protected].
The Special Vehicle Option 2.3m body Width pack
includes long arm mirrors and side repeater
lamps. Please check for availability.
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1.16 Load Distribution—Specifications
1.16.1 Load Distribution Calculations - Driver and Passenger Weight
Distribution
CAUTIONS:
Do not exceed the axle plated
weights.
Do not exceed the gross vehicle
weight
Tire manufacturer specification must
be maintained.
NOTE: Uneven load distribution could result in
unacceptable handling and braking
characteristics.
NOTE: The centre of mass of the payload should
be located within the wheelbase of the vehicle
NOTE: Avoid one-sided load distribution.
NOTE: For further information please contact
your local National Sales Company representative,
or Local Ford Dealer. If they are unable to help
you then please contact the Vehicle Converter
Advisory Service at [email protected].
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Tow Bar Van, Bus and Kombi
For details and advice on any extensions
including a towing device to be attached on Cab
Van Floor Medium wheelbase or Long
Wheelbase vehicles, please consult your local
National Sales Company representative, or Local
Ford Dealer. If they are unable to help you then
please contact the Vehicle Advisory Service at
[email protected]
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2.1 Suspension System
WARNING: Do not modify, drill, cut
or weld any suspension
components, specifically the
steering gear system, subframe or
anti-roll bars, springs or shock
absorbers including mounting
brackets.
CAUTION: Modifications to the
suspension system can cause a
deterioration of the vehicle handling
characteristics and durability.
NOTE: For detailed information please contact
the Vehicle Converter Advisory Service at
[email protected].
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2.2 Front Suspension
2.2.1 Springs and Spring Mounting
WARNING: Do not modify, drill, cut
or weld any suspension
components, specifically the
steering gear system, subframe or
anti-roll bars, springs or shock
absorbers including mounting
brackets.
CAUTIONS:
When carrying out welding work the
springs must be covered to protect
them against weld splatter.
Do not touch springs with welding
electrodes or welding tongs.
Make sure that components
loosened or removed and reinstalled
are properly reassembled and the
torque set in accordance with
manufactures requirements.
NOTE: Do not modify the wheelbase or add any
type of frame extension to vehicles fitted with
Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (IVD)
NOTE: Do not damage the surface or corrosion
protection of the spring during disassembly and
installation.
NOTE: For detailed information please contact
the Vehicle Converter Advisory Service at
[email protected].
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2.3 Rear Suspension
2.3.1 Springs and Spring
Mounting
WARNING: Do not modify, drill, cut
or weld any suspension
components, specifically the
steering gear system, sub-frame or
anti-roll bars, springs or shock
absorbers including mounting
brackets.
CAUTIONS:
When carrying out welding work the
springs must be covered to protect
them against weld splatter.
Do not touch springs with welding
electrodes or welding tongs.
Make sure that components
loosened or removed and reinstalled
are properly reassembled and the
torque set in accordance with
manufactures requirements.
NOTE: Do not modify the wheelbase or add any
type of frame extension to vehicles fitted with
Interactive Vehicle Dynamics (IVD)
NOTE: Do not damage the surface or corrosion
protection of the spring during disassembly and
installation.
NOTE: For detailed information please contact
the Vehicle Converter Advisory Service at
[email protected].
2.3.2 Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Remove the rear anti-roll bar on Chassis Cabs,
except on:
•330 and 350 Front Wheel Drive Chassis Cabs
with Box Body or with another conversion that
gives a similar or higher Centre of Gravity
(CoG) height.
•Dual Rear Wheel Chassis Cabs with Box Body
or with another conversion that gives a similar
or higher Centre of Gravity (CoG) height
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2.4 Wheels and Tires
2.4.1 Wheel Clearance
The distance from the tire to the mudguard or
wheel arch must be sufficient, even if snow or
anti-skid chains are fitted and the suspension is
fully compressed allowing for axle twist as well.
Please consult the Vehicle Converter Advisory
Service [email protected] for clearance
requirements and data.
NOTE: Make sure that only approved wheels
and /or permissible tire sizes are fitted
For standard wheelhouse dimensions.
Refer to: 5.1 Body (page 175).
(Integral Bodies and Conversions)
2.4.2 Tire Manufacturers
Replacement tires should be of the same make,
size, tread pattern and load rating as the Original
Equipment Manufacturer. Under these conditions
the original tire label should be satisfactory,
however if the specified tires and/or inflation
pressures are changed then a new label should
be affixed over the original label.
2.4.3 Spare wheel
When converting or relocating the spare wheel,
access must be ensured.
2.4.4 Painting Road Wheels
CAUTION: Do not paint wheel clamp
surfaces in contact with other
wheels, brake drum or disc, hub and
holes, or surfaces under wheel nuts.
Any further treatment in these areas
may affect the wheel clamp
performance and the vehicle safety.
•Mask the wheel when changing the color or
repairing paint.
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