CHASSIS MODIFICATIONS 2-21 E URO C ARGO E URO 4 - 5 2.8.6 Chassis Stress Level When lengthening a wheelbase, in addition to local reinforcement on the side memberjoint, the bodybuilder must provide sufficient reinforcements to achieve the section moduli of the side member section no lower than that designed by IVECO for the same wheelbase or for next size up. Alternatively, when permitted by local regulations, larger subframe sections can be used. The body builder must verify that the stress is not greater than the chassis with the original wheelbase, assuming an evenly distributed load and the chassis being considered as a beam resting on the suspension supports.
In all cases, more restrictive limits (if any) set by the national standards must be complied with. When extending out from the longest original wheelbase the reinforcements must depend on the length of the extension, the type of body built and the use to which the vehicle is to be put. 2.8.7 Cross Members The necessity of applying one or more cross members depends on the extent of extension, the location of the transmission shaft support, the welding area, the introduction points of the forces produced by the body and the condition under which the vehicle is to be used.
Any supplementary cross members must have the same features as those already existing (flexural strength, torsional strength, quality of the material, connection to the side members, etc). Figure 2.6 shows an example of the application. A cross member is mandatory for any extension over 600 mm. As a general rule the distance between the two cross members must not be greater than 1,000 to 1,200 mm. The minimum distance between two cross members must not be less than 600 mm, particularly for heavy-duty and off-road use; this limit does not apply to the ”lightweight” transmission support cross member. Figure 2.6 91449 Print 603.93.431 Base - July 2006 Revi - June 2007