Isuzu Introduces New Chassis

April 1, 1999
New chassis product and improved electrical connectors highlighted the Isuzu presentation for NTEA members at the American Isuzu Motors chassis seminar.

New chassis product and improved electrical connectors highlighted the Isuzu presentation for NTEA members at the American Isuzu Motors chassis seminar. Several important engineering changes for all model year 2000 chassis were announced during the NTEA Convention in Indianapolis.

The 2000 Class 5

Isuzu introduced the model year 2000 FRR, Class 5 chassis product. This product is available at 18,000 and 19,500-lb GVW. It carries the Isuzu 7.8L diesel engine rated at 200 horsepower. With five wheelbase options, automatic or manual transmission, and hydraulic ABS, this new product is aimed at the inner city produce and van vocations. The FRR uses the extended day cab design.

Isuzu displayed new electrical connectors for the FSR, FTR, FVR, and NPR/NQR models. "These are Packard-body connectors and they will help body builders to keep electrical connection problems to a minimum," said Henry Needle, operations manager for product planning. "We would prefer that body builders work with the Packard plug instead of cutting into the circuitry at different points along the frame rail."

Each location of the Packard connector is shown in the body builders book, along with the circuitry layout. It was noted that the FRR back-up alarm wiring is a bullet connector located center at the end-of-frame crossmember.

Braking Issues

Extension kits for antilock brakes where also on the agenda for Isuzu. In keeping with industry experts, Needle stressed the importance of not cutting into the ABS harness. Isuzu will produce an ABS harness extension kit for Class 5-7 chassis. "We are really stressing for body builders not to make a large jump in extending the wheelbase," Needle said. Antilock brakes can require re-calibration when extensive lengthening is performed on a chassis.

Isuzu spokespersons emphasized the importance of using the body builders book. Those who wish to get the bulletin, call 770-475-9195, extension 353.