Volkswagen LT

The Volkswagen LT is the largest light commercial panel van produced by Volkswagen (and subsequently Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles as of 1996) from 1975 to 2006, before being replaced by the Crafter. Two generations were produced.

1st generation LT (Typ 28/Typ 21)Template:Anchor

History

Volkswagen introduced the Volkswagen Type 2 in 1950 and developed light commercial vehicle versions for German and European markets. The name "Kombi" (the name under which the Type 2 was sold in Brazil) established itself as a concept term to describe an entire light commercial vehicle segment. The automaker introduced the revised Volkswagen Type 2 (T2) in 1967. Commercial customers were shipping heavier and larger-volume freight. The Volkswagen Type 2 platform was also limited by its rear-mounted engine design. A total of 471,221 series 1 LTs were produced between 1975 and 1996.

Design

Early LT 31 double chassis cab

The new design specifications for a larger transporter as an additional series ranged from 2.8 tons gross vehicle weight to 3.5 tons. The layout was a conventional rear drive with the engine located above the front axle, in a forward control or 'cab over' design.

The new Volkswagen van was launched in 1975 in Berlin. The name given to Volkswagen's large transporter was as functional as the entire vehicle: it was just called LT, which is simply the abbreviation of Lasten-Transporter (that basically means heavy load transporter or cargo transporter).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The LT came in three gross vehicle weights, from 2.8 to 3.5 tons (LT 28, LT 31, LT 35), with two wheelbases, two roof options, and with bodywork options as a panel van, a compact, a platform vehicle, and a chassis cab combination.

The design featured a high ratio of utility space to footprint due to its forward control design and overall width of Template:Convert. The compact LT panel van (with a little over four and a half metres in length) offered an interior load length of over three metres and a load area of around 5.5 square metres.

Suspension/Axles

The LT was equipped with a front axle with independent front wheel suspension. Later options, such as the heavy LT 40 to LT 55, had a solid front axle to achieve increased load-carrying capacity as is common for light trucks.

Facelifts

First generation, post-facelift LT

The first facelift in 1983 changed mostly the interior, at the same time as the engine cover was changed and the turbo-diesel and inline-6 petrol engines were introduced. A redesigned dashboard was added and various other small things were changed. The undercarriage had an additional third wheelbase as an option for platform-type vehicles, at up to 4.6 metres in length.

Two years later, Volkswagen again increased the gross vehicle weight, with the 5.6 ton LT 55. It was available with a single-tyre rear axle, allowing for more space between rear wheel wells inside the cargo floor. An LT with four-wheel drive that could be enabled from within the cab was also available.

The next facelift in 1986 changed the round headlights to rectangular units, along with other minor cosmetic retouches.

In Spring 1993, there was again a modest change in the look, with new grey-plastic elements introduced to the radiator grille and in the rear lighting section. The diesel engines were replaced with a more modern version of the same block. The DW (N/A diesel) was replaced by the ACT engine and the DV (turbo-diesel) engines were replaced by the intercooled ACL engine. Additionally, the engine cover was replaced with a new version, that had an opening in the front allowing to check the coolant without having to open the entire engine cover.

Campervan versions

LT 35e LWB with a custom camper high roof

Volkswagen LT Mk 1 Westfalia campervan conversion 1989 – 1993

Defunct Dutch minibus based on LT 50 chassis

1980 LT 40D Sülzer 4x4

Volkswagen LT 28 converted to a campervan

A touring camper in its various bodywork and fitting options was also produced. The vehicle's width allowed the possibility of beds arranged crosswise. Various Volkswagen-endorsed Westfalia campervan models were available for the LT, including the Sven Hedin, and a later model, Florida. The LT was also used by Karmann who produced over 3,000 Karmann LT Distance Wide coachbuilt motorhomes.

Truck cabs

The "G Series" light truck was a joint venture between Volkswagen and MAN AG, with gross vehicle weights of between six and ten tons. It was built from 1979 until 1993.

Volkswagen's Brazilian plant at Resende has been constructing trucks with weights of between 7 and 35 tons. Even after the launch of the new Volkswagen Constellation in 2006, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has continued to manufacture vehicles incorporating cabs based on the first generation of the LT, such as the Worker and Delivery trucks.

Rebadging

In the late eighties, German-built Volkswagen LT and MAN-VW G were sold in Spain as Pegaso Ekus, while Brazilian-built units were marketed in the US as Peterbilt Midrangers.

4x4

A 4x4 version of the LT was also produced. Volkswagen had already prepared for this in 1983 with the cab facelift, which incorporated instrumentation lights for the front, centre, and rear differential locks.

Sülzer developed a 6-cylinder, primarily diesel-powered, 4x4 version of the long-wheelbase VW LT, of which 156 were built. These were either LT40 or LT45 (rated 4 or 4.5 tonne). Opposed to the normal LT40 & LT45, the 4x4s only had single wheels on the rear axle. The chassis is lifted, 26 mm anti-roll bars are added to cope with body-roll and the axles are replaced. A propshaft driven, rod/shaft controlled transfer box was installed under the vehicle.

The transfer box was a New Process 208, which is propshaft-driven and cable-operated. The same transfer box can also be found in Chevrolet Blazers and Jeep Cherokees of around the same time. The first six of the Sülzer vehicles are supposed to have had Dana 70 axles. After that production was changed to use the Italian-built Clark-Hurth axles. All 4x4 LTs came as standard with rear and centre locking differentials, with optional front diff-lock also available (until it became standard fitment in 1991).

Due to the change of axles, the 4x4 LTs came with different wheels to the standard LTs. All 4x4 LTs have 6 stud tube type split-rims in 6.5J width. The standard tyre fitment on these wheels is 7.00x16 or 7.50x16.

In 1985 VW took over the production of the 4x4 LT and introduced the DW (2.4 inline-6 N/A diesel) and DV (2.4 inline-6 turbo-diesel) engines to the portfolio. They made another 1250 or so 4x4 LTs. The model portfolio covered only long-wheelbase vehicles. Tintop and hightop as LT40, pickup and double-cab as LT40 or LT45.<ref name="1985_brochure"/>

In 1991 the naturally aspirated diesel engine was dropped from the 4x4 program as it did not have enough power for the 4x4 drivetrain, with most 4x4 LTs being either the 90 bhp 6-cyl petrol or the 102 bhp 6-cyl D24T. From 1993 on, VW introduced the D24TIC with 95 bhp, but more torque, for the LT (and LT 4x4). At the same time the transfer box was upgraded to the New Process 241.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Steyr-Puch in Austria built the Noriker using VW LT underpinnings in competition with the Sülzer and VW LT 4x4s, but they only were produced in limited numbers.

De Vries also built three VW LT 4x4s on the same principle as Sülzer/VW, one of which was used in the Dakar Rally in 1983.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Out of 5 million Mk1 VW LTs built, only 1,250 featured four-wheel drive.

Typ codes

The Volkswagen "Typ codes" for the first generation LT were:

• Typ 28 — April 1975 to July 1991
• Typ 21 — August 1991 to December 1995
• Typ 29 — 4x4 1984 to 1989

The last first-generation LT was produced in 1996, which corresponds to a British 'P' registration plate. In 21 years, just under 500,000 vehicles were assembled.

Engines

Volkswagen LT DV engine

The petrol engine was a modified Audi 100 VW EA831 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder. In 1976 Volkswagen wanted to make a sports coupé and had Porsche design one for them using parts from the VW/Audi group bin with front engine and rear-wheel drive. They did not go with the design as the rest of the range was switching to front-wheel drive i.e. Golf/Polo/Jetta so VW came up with another design (the Scirocco). Porsche then decided to build it anyway in a collaboration with VW culminating in the Porsche 924 running with an VW EA831 Audi 2 L engine with Bosch K-Jetronic injection which is the same basic engine that was in the 2 L petrol LT at the time albeit with a carburetor and a vastly uprated Porsche designed cylinder head. It was rated at 55 kilowatts (75 PS; 74 bhp) and achieved higher torque at lower engine RPMs.

An inline four-cylinder diesel engine by Perkins was available. The 48 kilowatts (65 PS; 64 bhp) 2.7 L diesel was included in the LT range from 1976 onwards.

The Perkins engine was replaced in 1978 with a six-cylinder variant of the Volkswagen Golf diesel. The original 1.6 L four-cylinder engine became the D24 2.4 L six-cylinder, delivering Template:Convert. This engine was also used in a number of Volvo passenger cars.

In December 1982, an upgrade to the LT was introduced. The six-cylinder diesel was available as a turbodiesel, the Volkswagen D24T engine, producing Template:Cvt and Template:Convert of torque. In addition, the six-cylinder engine was now also available as a Template:Cvt petrol engine. All engines were now mounted with a clear offset alignment that allowed for a flatter engine compartment, which was shifted further to the rear for more space for a third seat in the cab.

In 1992, an overhauled turbo-diesel engine with charge air cooler and Template:Cvt was introduced – the Volkswagen D24TIC engine.

Early DV/ACL engine valves are mechanically shimmed; later versions were hydraulically auto-adjusted. The ACL had bigger injectors and the addition of the intercooler. The main block and bottom end remained identical. The head/valve adjusters/injectors/intake manifold and the turbo had variants plus a different sump for the oil to be pumped to the turbo.

PetrolTemplate:Citation needed
Model	Cylinders	Size	Injection Type	Power	Torque	Engine Code / Years
2.0	I4	1,984 cc	carbureted	Template:Convert @ 4,300 rpm	Template:Convert @ 2,400	CL: 05/76-11/82
2.0	I4	1,984 cc	carbureted	Template:Convert @ 4,300 rpm	Template:Convert @ 2,400	CH: 04/75-11/82
2.4	I6	2,383 cc	carbureted	Template:Convert	–	DL: 08/82-07/92
2.4	I6	2,383 cc	fuel-injected	Template:Convert	–	1E: 08/88-12/95
DieselTemplate:Citation needed
Model	Cylinders	Size	Injection Type	Power	Torque	Engine Code / Years
2.7 Perkins	I4	2,702 cc	indirect	Template:Convert	–	CG: 01/76-11/82
2.4 D24	I6	2,383 cc	indirect	Template:Convert @ 4,000 rpm	Template:Convert @ 2,800 rpm	CP: 08/78-11/82, DW: 12/82-07/92
2.4 D24<ref>Betriebsanleitung Volkswagen LT deutsch 7.89 – 901.551.280.00</ref>	I6	2,383 cc	indirect	Template:Convert @ 3,400 rpm	Template:Convert @ 1,600–1,800 rpm	1S: 08/88-07/92, ACT: 08/92-12/95
2.4 D24T	I6	2,383 cc	indirect, turbo-charged	Template:Convert	–	1G: 08/88-07/92
2.4 D24T	I6	2,383 cc	indirect, turbo-charged	Template:Convert	Template:Convert	DV: 12/82-07/92
2.4 D24TIC	I6	2,383 cc	indirect, turbo-charged, intercooled	Template:Convert @ 4,000 rpm	Template:Convert	ACL: 08/91-12/95

Axles

Turbodiesel axles are reinforced, have the transition to the cardan shaft further ahead, or a shorter shaft. Axles for single tires cannot be installed in vehicles with twin tires and vice versa. LT 1 4x4 axles are completely different and cannot be replaced by other LT axles.

Axle Ratio		M code (until 1990)	PR code (from 1991)	comment
Quicker
53: 14	= 3.79	396	0ZH
53: 13	= 4.08	355	0ZG
53: 13	= 4.08	452	?	Single tires
41: 10	= 4.10	267	0ZF
40: 9	= 4.44	378	0ZE
39: 8	= 4.88	379	0ZD
43: 8	= 5.38	092	0ZC
41: 7	= 5.86	375	0ZB
45: 7	= 6.43	382	0ZA
Slower

A full list of code letter explanations is available on the German VW LT wiki.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Production figures

Year	Production figures	Model LT 28 Kombi	Model LT 28 D Kombi	Model LT 28-40 Transporter	Model LT 28-40 D Transporter	Model LT 45-55 Transporter	Model LT 45-55 D Transporter
1975	6608	0	0	6608	0	0	0
1976	25570	670	64	15765	7071	0	0
1977	30639	2405	614	15344	12276	0	0
1978	30454	2961	970	16965	9488	64	6
1979	33370	1747	1301	14559	13367	314	2082
1980	34383	1963	1620	13518	15446	306	1530
1981	22911	579	1377	6041	13345	132	1437
1982	21236	457	1185	5409	12946	167	1072
1983	21633	352	1097	6083	11788	142	2171
1984	20980	397	1689	4896	11760	210	2028
citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> || align="right"| 21714 || align="right"| 293 || align="right"| 1292|| align="right"| 4187|| align="right"| 13235|| align="right"| 100|| align="right"| 2607
1986	20825	210	1395	3665	13193	80	2282
citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> || align="right"| 23221 || align="right"| || align="right"| || align="right"| || align="right"| || align="right"| ||
1988	21756
citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> || align="right"|22338 || align="right"| || align="right"| || align="right"| || align="right"| || align="right"| ||
1990	20849+2893	→	2893
citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> || align="right"|21289+3494 || align="right"| → || align="right"| 3494 || align="right"| || align="right"| || align="right"| ||
1992	16030+1914	→	1914
citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> || align="right"|13077+1232 || align="right"| → || align="right"|1232 || align="right"| || align="right"| || align="right"| ||
1994	12909+1120	→	1120
citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref> || align="right"|14439+1035 || align="right"|→ || align="right"|1035 || align="right"| || align="right"| || align="right"| ||
Sum <ref>Template:Cite book</ref>	467919

2nd generation LT (Typ 2D)Template:Anchor

VW LT 35 TDI

History

In 1996, the joint venture of Volkswagen and Daimler's Mercedes-Benz Commercial introduced the second generation LT. The Volkswagen version shared the body shell with the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. However, the engine and transmission were Volkswagen Group sourced. This deal would continue in the Volkswagen Crafter, a successor to the LT.

The new design incorporated an engine mounted longitudinally beneath a short hood and with rear-wheel drive. The LT adopted what had become the standard style of construction for bigger transporters. It also included economical direct-injection diesel engines, easy access to the driver cab behind the front axle, and a wide space between the driver and passenger seat.

The range now went from 2.6 to 4.6 tons gross vehicle weight, and the enclosed options of the panel van and compact were available in three wheelbase options. Platform vehicles, crew cabs, and numerous undercarriage options completed the range. A special articulated version of the second generation LT, the XLT was available through special order.

Typ codes

The Volkswagen "Typ codes" for the second generation LT are:

• Typ 35 — May 1996 to July 2006

Engines

Engines included a naturally aspirated engine, as well as three Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engines. These were the inline-five-cylinder TDI used in the Volkswagen Eurovan (Type 2 T4). The performance range for the LT initially went from Template:Convert. In January 2002, an inline-four-cylinder 2.8 L engine made by MWM International Motores increased power output to Template:Convert, and the maximum torque to Template:Convert.

The 2.8 L engine specifications:

• Template:Convert inline-four-cylinder, 93 mm bore, 103 mm stroke and three valves per cylinder
• rated output: Template:Convert EEC at 3500 rpm; Template:Convert at 1800 rpm
• Diesel common rail fuel system

The 2.5 L:

• Template:Convert inline-five-cylinder, 81 mm bore, 95.5 mm stroke, 19.5 compression ratio, and two valves per cylinder
• rated output: Template:Convert EEC at 3500 rpm; Template:Convert at 1900 rpm
• Diesel direct injection fuel system (Bosch VP37 belt-driven pump with two-stage nozzles)
• KK&K K14 turbocharger

PetrolTemplate:Citation needed
Model	Cylinders	Size	Valves	Power	Torque	Engine Code / Years
2.3	I4	2,295 cc	16v	Template:Convert @ 5,000 rpm	Template:Convert @ 4,000	AGL: 05/96-11/01
DieselTemplate:Citation needed
Model	Cylinders	Size	Valves	Power	Torque	Engine Code / Years
2.5 SDI	I5	2,461 cc	10v	Template:Convert @ 3,800 rpm	Template:Convert @ 2,000–2,400 rpm	AGX: 05/96-04/01
2.5 TDI			10v	Template:Convert @ 3,500 rpm	Template:Convert @ 1,500–2,500 rpm	BBE: 05/01-07/06
2.5 TDI			10v	Template:Convert @ 3,500 rpm	Template:Convert @ 1,800 rpm	APA: 05/99-04/01
2.5 TDI			10v	Template:Convert @ 3,500 rpm	Template:Convert @ 2,200–2,500 rpm	BBF: 05/01-07/06
2.5 TDI			10v	Template:Convert @ 3,500 rpm	Template:Convert @ 1,900–2,300 rpm	AHD: 05/96-05/99
2.5 TDI			10v	Template:Convert @ 3,500 rpm	Template:Convert @ 1,900–2,500 rpm	ANJ/AVR: 06/99-07/06
2.8 TDI	I4	2,799 cc	12v	Template:Convert @ 3,500 rpm	Template:Convert @ 2,300 rpm	AGK: 07/97-12/98
2.8 TDI			12v	Template:Convert @ 3,500 rpm	Template:Convert @ 2,000–2,500 rpm	ATA: 01/99-01/02
2.8 TDI CR			12v	Template:Convert @ 3,500 rpm	Template:Convert @ 1,800 rpm	AUH/BCQ: 02/02-07/06

Replacement

Production ended in September 2006, with about 350,000 LT models produced over nine years. Plans for the third generation of the 'large transporter' from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles were canceled and later that year, the Volkswagen Crafter was launched.

External links

• Information and photos of Westfalia-built LT campervans
• VW Australia official LT site.
• UK VW LT website.