Iveco Euroturbos actually have some trick features...
Sorry to resurrect a dead thread, but just a few comment on the US Iveco Euroturbos. Although the newest US models are only 1988-1990, there are some interesting features. The suspension uses very trick Parabolic springs, not rigid leaf springs. For 12-14k GVWR vehicles they have only 2 front leafs and 2 rear w/ a helper and a very comfortable ride. Suspension travel is huge… dropped one corner off a lift pad and got a first hand look at “articulation.”
The Iveco 5.9L turbo diesel is the predecessor to the Cummins 6BT (through Fiat owned IH), has standardized Bosch mechanical injection, relies on simple 3-wire electronics, and will run on just about anything (motor oil? Pain?). They have a reputation as a “million mile diesel.”
The automatic transmission is a 727 and has a massive fan covered cooler--parts are readily available and inexpensive. The tires/rims are a nice boost from 16” at 17.5”and not as cumbersome as 19.” They’re the same as low-boy haulers with E ratings and with dualies are overbuilt to 12-14k lbs on the rear axle. Wheel wells were engineered large enough to run 37x12.5 tires. Everything short of the cab is overbuilt to military standards… axles, differential, etc.
The cab is a different story. While well proportioned (larger than an NPR), It’s cheesy inside in a 1970s way. I stripped one to a bare shell, repainted black, installed sound deadening and carpet insulation, and then a leather BMW M3 power seat interior and new carpets, cloth panels and electric windows. I also updated the front grill with 2004 Rover Discover headlights, which fit perfectly and give it a modern appearance.
Parts are a mixed bag. They’re available in the US through Tom’s Truck Center in Los Angeles, but unbelievably expensive. A simple brake master cylinder that should be about $150-$200 is $1000 with a 3 month wait. However, there are crossover parts to US heavy trucks, such as wheel cylinders, master cylinder rebuild kits, etc., that are dirt cheap. Solutions to parts can be found for very little, and if not, sourced through Ebay UK or Germany for normal prices. And while parts are not great here in the US, in the rest of the world Iveco and its service network are on every continent, and dominant in many major countries.
Iveco also appears to be returning to the US Market this year. Fiat, it’s parent company, purchased Chrysler, who then summarily split off Dodge Trucks as an independent company and discontinued the Sprinter. At the same time, they announced that Iveco will be returning to the US market. We’ll likely see the Iveco equivalent to the Sprinter shortly as a Chrysler product.
The US Iveco Euroturbos may deserve a second look as a platform for an expedition vehicle or camper. As my chassis restoration approaches completion I’ll post some pictures.
