Ford Transit D (1978–1985)

The Ford Transit D has stood as a pillar of reliability and practicality for tradespeople and small businesses in New Zealand. As we delve into maintaining your Transit D, this guide will provide insight into not only keeping your vehicle running smoothly but also addressing any potential challenges that may arise throughout its lifetime.

Parts for the Ford Transit D

• Brake Hose Front (4)
• Brake Pads Front (4)
• Brake Shoe Fitting Kit Rear (3)
• Master Cylinder Kit Brake (3)
• Oxygen Sensor (2)
• Brake Drum Rear (2)
• Shocks / Strut Front (2)
• Brake Shoe Rear (2)
• Brake Pad Fitting Kit Front (2)
• Cylinder Head Gasket (1)
• Clutch Kit (1)
• Bearing Clutch Release (1)
• Oxygen Sensor Post-Catalytic Converter (1)
• Shocks / Strut Rear (1)
• Wiper Blade Front (1)
• Suspension Bush Front Control Arm - Lower (1)
• Ball Joint Front Lower (1)
• Suspension Bush Front Control Arm (1)
• Suspension Bush Rear Sway Bar Mount (1)
• Brake Hose Rear (1)
• Wheel Cylinder Front (1)
• Brake Hose (1)
• Oxygen Sensor Pre-Catalytic Converter (1)

Known issues

Based on typical owner experiences, the Ford Transit D may encounter certain issues as it ages, especially around the 150,000-250,000 km mark. Keep an eye out for:
• Diesel Injector Pump Problems: Issues with the diesel injector pump can arise, leading to reduced engine performance.
• Front Suspension Wear: The front suspension can experience wear over time, affecting ride quality and handling.
• Rust: Be vigilant in checking for rust, particularly in the lower body panels, as this can be a common issue.

WOF tips

When getting your Warrant of Fitness (WOF), be aware of potential inspection points related to:
• Rust: WOF inspectors often check for rust around the windscreen and sills.
• Brake Lines: Corrosion of the brake lines is another common WOF failure point. Regular checks and preventative maintenance can help avoid this.

About the Ford Transit D

The Ford Transit D is renowned for its robust design and dependable performance, making it a favorite among tradespeople. To keep your Transit D running like the workhorse it was designed to be, staying on top of maintenance is essential. Regular inspections can help you identify when parts need replacing, ensuring seamless daily operations.

Maintenance Essentials: Regular upkeep is vital for the longevity of your Transit D, especially as it ages. Common components that may need attention include:
• Braking System: Stay vigilant about your brake system. Regularly inspect brake hoses, rear brake drums, front brake pads, and rear brake shoes. Replacing parts like the brake pads can be streamlined with a front or rear brake service pack, which includes all necessary components and fluids for optimal performance.
• Suspension System: Given the weight often carried by the Transit D, the front suspension tends to wear out. Periodically check shock absorbers, and consider replacing them if you notice declining ride quality. This can help maintain safe handling, especially loaded.
• Cooling System: As your Transit D reaches around 150,000 km, don’t ignore the cooling system. Inspect the water pump, thermostat, and radiator hoses to prevent overheating and ensure efficient engine performance. [This naturally links to /shop/cooling]
• Engine Maintenance: Monitor the cylinder head gasket for potential leaks to maintain reliable engine performance over time. For a smoother ride, also consider the clutch system; replacing the clutch kit and release bearing can drastically improve gear changes.

Proactively addressing these areas will not only extend the life of your vehicle but also optimize its performance, helping you get the most out of your Transit D.

Questions owners ask

What are the common WOF failure points for a Ford Transit 1978–1985 in New Zealand?

When getting your Warrant of Fitness (WOF) for a Ford Transit 1978–1985, inspectors often check for rust, particularly around the windscreen and sills. Corrosion of the brake lines is another common WOF failure point. Regular checks and preventative maintenance can help avoid these issues.

Where can I get front brake pads for my Ford Transit 1978–1985 in NZ?

CARFIX stocks 32 SKUs for the Ford Transit 1978–1985, including front brake pads. You can find these and other braking system components, such as rear brake drums and rear brake shoes, on the CARFIX website.

My Ford Transit 1978–1985 has over 150,000 km on the clock. What maintenance should I be focusing on?

Around the 150,000 km mark, it's crucial to pay close attention to the cooling system of your Ford Transit 1978–1985. Inspect the water pump, thermostat, and radiator hoses to prevent overheating. Additionally, keep an eye on the cylinder head gasket for potential leaks and consider replacing the clutch kit and release bearing for smoother gear changes.

What are the most common issues reported by owners of the Ford Transit 1978–1985?

Owners of the Ford Transit 1978–1985, especially those with 150,000-250,000 km, commonly report issues with diesel injector pump problems leading to reduced engine performance. Front suspension wear is also frequent due to the weight often carried, and rust is a common concern, particularly in the lower body panels.

How often should I check the suspension on my Ford Transit 1978–1985?

Given the heavy loads often carried by the Ford Transit 1978–1985, the front suspension tends to wear out. It's advisable to periodically check the shock absorbers and consider replacing them if you notice a decline in ride quality. This helps maintain safe handling, especially when the vehicle is loaded.

What parts are included in a brake service pack for the Ford Transit 1978–1985?

A front or rear brake service pack for the Ford Transit 1978–1985 typically includes all necessary components and fluids for optimal performance, such as brake pads, and potentially other related parts like rear brake drums or shoes, depending on whether it's a front or rear kit.