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Tire traction test data has shown empirically that peak skid number dry pavement traction performance of bias ply tires is inversely proportional to the dynamic instantaneous tire load and is a function of inflation pressure. A modification to classical braking theory, which assumes constant traction coefficients at the tire-road interface, is therefore required to obtain maximum theoretical unlocked wheel vehicle deceleration. Optimum brake proportioning between front and rear axles is dictated by the maximum braking force which, with respect to each axle, can be generated at the tire-road interface. The inclusion of peak traction coefficient normal load sensitivity significantly modifies classical theory and changes the selection of brake force balance required to attain maximum theoretical deceleration capability. The importance of the effects of tire traction load sensitivity on the requirements of FMVSS 105-75 is discussed in this paper.

This paper discusses the techniques employed in the development of the 1975 Ford Econoline Van, Club Wagon, and Cutaway vehicles. The presentation highlights the key elements of engineering a new family of light trucks. A brief review of historical van and bus market trends and their role in determining new vehicle design objectives is included. Specific engineering subjects discussed are: ˙Body-on-frame structural design applied to van/bus/cutaway vehicles. ˙Development of an energy absorbing frame for these forward control trucks. ˙Engineering techniques applied to the resolution of vehicle shake problems. ˙Modifications to front and rear suspension for optimum ride, handling and tire wear. ˙Development of integrated climate control systems for van/bus vehicles. ˙The engineering of derivatives for body builder recreation vehicle markets.

For 1974, Ford Motor Company is providing, as standard equipment, a solid state ignition system on all 400 CID and 460 CID engines as well as on all California vehicles equipped with 200 through 351 CID engines. This paper explains the Ford solid state ignition system and the objectives and design philosophy that was used in the development of the system. Further, a review of the design and production validation test plans is discussed. With this background, specific examples of the effectiveness of complete problem analysis for fundamental cause and corrective action is presented in addition to control methods and evaluation of corrective action. This problem analysis system allowed this automotive electronic product to go into production with a high degree of confidence in meeting the reliability goals.

The Mercury Cougar, Lincoln-Mercury Division’s entrant in the rapidly expanding specialty car market, is discussed. Attention is given to the growing demand for this type of vehicle, its styling evolution, and unique product features. Details of body and chassis construction along with safety features, powertrain, convenience, and performance options are reviewed.

A new method, which enlists the aid of a digital computer, has been perfected to quickly and accurately determine the performance of a proposed rearview mirror while still early in the design stage. Because of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) require a minimum viewing performance for both inside and outside left rearview mirrors, and since a common method — by which an intended design can be judged for compliance — would benefit both the Industry and the Federal Government, this method and the appropriate computer programs are being made available to all interested groups. Use of the computer programs results in a tremendous time savings over any manual drafting technique. This paper is intended to serve as a design guide to be followed when packaging rearview mirrors. A general introduction on the subject of rear viewing is followed by a discussion of the approach to the problem of evaluating the performance of a rear viewing device.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss handling in the context of those operational variables and vehicle chassis considerations which are most significant in affecting the handling properties of light trucks. In discussing handling for normal driving the Cornering Compliance Concept is used to combine the most significant parameters in a simple lumped parameter model. Limit handling performance and the mechanics of rollover are discussed in the paper. It is observed that exposure to limit handling maneuvers is unlikely to occur in normal driving. The significance of vehicle handling properties to highway safety is an unknown at this time.

Mark II GT Transaxles - This paper provides a description of the Ford Mark II GT transaxle as used in the 1966 Le Mans race. The functional requirements, as established by a simulated Le Mans dynamometer test cycle, are summarized through integration of the engine torque and speed data and compared with gear and bearing design parameters to reflect their capacities in hours of Le Mans usage. The areas where the development work was particularly important are highlighted in the discussion. MARK II GT TRANSAXLES* - While the specific subject of this paper, in a sense, did not exist as little as two years ago all of the mechanics for its functional needs were available. All of the mechanics, in fact, have been well developed for several years; the arrangement, however, is not in common use in this country and its application is treated as new.