Workhorse marks start of International era with production of W42 chassis

Dec. 1, 2005
Workhorse Custom Chassis has marked another first in Union City IN: the production start of its first diesel chassis with an International diesel engine.

Workhorse Custom Chassis has marked another first in Union City IN: the production start of its first diesel chassis with an International diesel engine. The new W42 Workhorse chassis uses the International VT275 4.5L diesel V-6 engine with 200 horsepower and 440 ft-lb of torque.

The diesel W42 comes with GVWR options of 10,000, 12,000, and 14,500 pounds, with wheelbases of 125, 133, 157, 178, and 190 inches. Enhancements include:

  • New Brembo four-wheel disc brakes.

  • A new Westport Wide Track I-Beam front axle with a full 50-degree wheel cut. The rear axle track is also wider.

  • An upgraded transmission for its diesel application, the Allison LCT-1000 electronic five-speed.

  • New parabolic taper leaf suspension springs, front and rear, with custom-tuned 35-mm shock absorbers.

  • Rear axle ratio changed from 5.13:1 to 4.63:1 on the diesel application.

  • New Meritor WABCO four-channel ABS system with full J-1939 diagnostics capability.

  • New ZF variable-ratio power steering box and ZF belt-driven power steering pump.

  • Bigger radiator and cooling fan.

  • New Smart Cluster instrument panel with LCD screen for driver and diagnostic information.