The 1948 Mercury Truck Line
Published March 1948. Thanks to Mr. Greg Sundby of Brights Grove, ON.
Canada for sending me this article.
The new Mercury trucks, introduced by the Mercury and Lincoln division
of Ford Motor Corp. of Canada, incorporate many postwar advancements in
styling and design, with special emphasis on the achievement of passenger
car comfort for the operator.
This emphasis on comfort and ease of operation centres in a newly designed
cab of greater over-all dimensions than in previous models, attached to
the chassis by a special, level action suspension which insulates it
against noise, vibration and frame weave. Added measures of insulation and
weatherproofing further this end.
The doors of the cab have been made wider and are set further forward for
easier entry and exit. Foot room, elbowroom and headroom have been
substantially enlarged. There is a full, three-man width, coach type seat
which, in addition to the usual two-way adjustment, rises as it is moved
forward, to accommodate the driver of shorter stature. The seat back is
independently adjustable.
The front bumper of heavy channel steel has an additional function in the
new models. Bolted directly to the frame, it serves as an added cross beam
providing greater rigidity while attaining greater impact strength.
SAFETY FEATURES
Greater glass area is also a feature. The windshield is in one piece,
eliminating the centre post blind spot, and it is two inches higher so
that tall drivers may see forward without stooping. Angle and height of
the windshield has been gauged to reduce eye fatigue from glare and
reflection in night time driving. Corner pillars of the new cab are
stronger yet more slender and are six inches further apart, thus
contributing to greater visibility. A three-way air control system,
incorporating adjustable window ventilator panes and an extra-width cowl
ventilator, provides maximum cab ventilation.
Consideration for the driver is also indicated by the positioning of the
full 18-inch steering wheel with the three spokes so placed as to give
maximum instrument visibility, and in the adoption of a passenger car,
treadle-type accelerator pedal. A sturdy tool box is standard equipment
atop the gas tank which has been placed behind the seat instead of under
it. There is ample room for jack and flares at either end of the tank.
The suspension of the cab consists of rubber pads and rubber-insulated
bolts at each front corner, and level action links in torsion-type rubber
bearings at the rear corners.
ENGINES
Two improved V-8 engines are being manufactured for the new Mercury
trucks. One, known as the “180” is for high-speed service on light and
medium trucking operations, developing 180 pounds foot torque at 1,850
rpm. The other, the Mercury “188,” is especially designed for heavy duty
hauling and develops 188 pounds foot torque at 1,400 rpm.
Both engines have a 3.1875-inch bore and a 3.75-inch stroke. However, the
188 model has a special camshaft providing a higher torque at lower rpm.
A replaceable cartridge filter is standard along with a heavy duty
oil-bath air cleaner. The crank case capacity is 10½ Imp. Pints, while the
oil pan features a large cleanout plate. The oil pump is of the gear type.
The four-ring aluminum alloy pistons are tin plated. Cylinder heads are
aluminum and have a 7.2 to 1 compression ratio.
Rated according to their gross vehicle weights, the 1948 Mercury truck
line ranges from the lighter M-47 (4,700 pounds gross vehicle weight) to
the M-155 (15,500 pounds GVW) on wheelbases running from 114 in., in the
case of the M-47, to 176 in. on the M-135 and M-155. In the M-155 series,
there is also a 194-inch wb school bus chassis.
All series feature the new wide rims with five degree tapered head seats
for better tire performance. All are equipped with the new demountable
brake drums. These drums are of composite design, a cast iron ring fused
to steel back, for greater durability. The drums are easily detached from
the hubs by removal of the retaining screws from the hub. This feature
permits quick and inexpensive brake servicing. A brake inspection hole is
provided in the demountable drums on the series M-105, M-l35 and M-155,
permitting feeler gauge checking of brake shoe clearance.
The I-beam front axle of the M-47 has been designed for fore and aft type
steering and the attachment of new direct, double-acting shock absorbers.
The rear axle on the M-47 features semi floating, integral type housing,
hypoid drive.
The differential pinion and side gears are backed up with special
lubricized steel thrust washers which eliminate the possibility of seized
or damaged gears. Servicing is facilitated by the larger rear inspection
plate in the axle housing which fully exposes the differential assembly
for inspection and maintenance. The axle shafts are easily removed through
the outer end of the housings. The pinion and differential assembly are
adjusted by the use of shims while a breather in the housing prevents air
pressure from building up, causing grease to leak onto the brakes
All other series of the Mercury truck have full-floating rear axles. A
two-speed, quadrax axle will be standard equipment on the heavy duty
M-155.
On the M-105, M-l35 and M-155 series, both the front and rear axles have
been increased in width, the wider front axle permitting shorter turns and
greater vehicle stability, while the wide track rear axle increases frame
to tire clearance.
The series M-47 and M-68 trucks are equipped with direct, double-acting
telescopic completely sealed, shock absorbers with rubber insulated
attachments. In the case of M-47, shock absorbers are mounted on the rear
as well as the front.
|
