•It is recommended that the altered extension
has a similar closed section, material thickness
and properties to the existing chassis frame.
•An equivalent open section for the extension
assembly is at the vehicle converters
discretion.
•Lightening holes in new extension and cross
members are discretional.
•Do not weld original chassis frame except as
specified when adding reinforcing tubes,
please refer to Figure E745171.
•Do not drill the top or bottom surface of the
chassis frame, including the flanges turned
out, except as recommended above for
continuity of closure.
•Any alternative finish such as hot dip
galvanizing is at the discretion of the Body
Builder providing it does not have a detrimental
effect on the original Ford product.
Refer to: 5.10 Corrosion Prevention (page 221).
5.11.5 Frame Drilling and Tube
Reinforcing
The chassis frame may be drilled and reinforcing
spacer tubes may be welded in place, providing
the following is applied:
•Adhere to all details shown in Figure E74517.
•Drill and weld only side walls of the chassis
frame.
•Locate and drill holes accurately, using a drill
guide to ensure holes are square to frame
vertical centre line (note: allow for side member
draft angle).
•Drill undersize and ream out to size.
•Endeavor to remove all swarf from inside side
member, and treat to prevent corrosion.
•Fully weld each end of the tube and grind flat
and square, in groups if applicable. Be aware
of side member draft angle.
•Apply corrosion protection inside and outside
of the chassis frame.
Refer to: 5.10 Corrosion Prevention (page 221).
•Holes should be in groups of two (2), either
vertically spaced at 30 to 35mm from chassis
frame top and/or bottom surface, or
horizontally at 50mm minimum pitch, 30 to
35mm from top and/or bottom chassis frame
surface, please refer to Figure E74517.
•Always use M10 bolts with grade 8.8 minimum.
•Do not position tubes at the medium chassis
frame height, this may create “oil canning” of
the deep section side walls.
•Where possible, the outrigger moments should
be resolved by matching inner cross members
between the chassis side members inline with
the outriggers, please refer to Figure E74577-
Low Floor.
•A diameter of 16.5mm is the maximum
allowable hole size in the chassis frame side
wall, irrespective of the usage.
Avoid drilling into closed frame body members
to avoid the risk of corrosion from swarf.
Refer to: 5.10 Corrosion Prevention (page 221).
Drilling and welding of frames and body structure
have to be conducted following the program
guidelines. Please consult the Vehicle Converter
Advisory Service [email protected] for details.
5.11.6 Ancillary Equipment - Sub
Frame Mounting
Typical sub-frames and longitudinal members for
flatbed and low or drop-side bodies or equipment
exceeding the standard or Regular Production
Order frame length should adhere to the following
guidelines:
•Flat-beds and low bodies mounted on integral
longitudinal members (channel or box section
metal – not wood) must use both sides of all
frame mounting brackets, see Figure E74575.
•Longitudinal members must be relieved at the
front end if they are to contact the chassis
frame top surface, to minimize stress
concentrations, see Figure E74575. However,
it is preferable to mount the longitudinal onto
the mounting brackets, with a clearance to the
chassis frame top surface.
•Each set of brackets must use two (2) x M10
bolts grade 8.8 minimum.
•The rear two (2) sets of chassis frame
mounting holes / locations should have a full
bolt torque with 100% grip. The attachment to
the remaining forward chassis frame holes /
locations must be precisely located and
retained, but allow some relative flexing
between the sub-frame and chassis frame.
For example, clamp control devices such as
conical washer stacks or machine springs with
self locking fasteners.
•Minimum floor heights will require wheel arch
boxes to clear the rear tires, see Vehicle Data
sheets for relevant tire jounce.
•Chassis frame, for example: clamp control
devices such as conical washer stacks or
machine springs with self locking fastenings.
•Minimum floor heights will require wheel arch
boxes to clear the rear tires.
Pedestal mounted low or drop side bodies – (not
illustrated)
For bodies or equipment not exceeding the
standard or Regular Production Order chassis
frame length.
FordTransit 2006.5 (April 2006–)
Date of Publication: 12/2006
5 Body and Paint
228
For flat-beds and low bodies raised above the
maximum “jounced” tyre position to obtain an
uninterrupted flat floor surface see vehicle data
sheets.
•Fore and after longitudinal bracing must be
added between the rear-most two (2) cross
members only
•All chassis frame mounting holes / locations
must always be used.
•All chassis frame mounting bracket fastenings
must have a full bolt torque with 100% friction
grip.
5.11.7 Spare Tire Access and
Mounting
Refer to: 1.9 Jacking (page 27).
The spare wheel winch on Cab Van Floor variants
is accessible from the side as illustrated in Figure
E74521. Ensure accessibility to the winch with
given or especially designed tools after
completion of conversion and advise in owner's
manual.
Spare Wheel Winch access on Cab Van Floor Variants
DescriptionItem
Spare Wheel Winch1
FordTransit 2006.5 (April 2006–)
Date of Publication: 12/2006
5 Body and Paint
2291E74521
