The Saviem J was a range of medium-duty trucks manufactured by the French manufacturers Saviem and Renault Véhicules Industriels between 1975 and 1980.

Saviem J
Overview
ManufacturerSaviem/RVI
Also calledRenault J
Production1975–1980
AssemblyBlainville-sur-Orne, France
Body and chassis
ClassMedium truck
Body styleCOE
Powertrain
Engine
  • 3.6 L Saviem 720 diesel I4
  • 5.4 L Saviem 597 diesel I6
  • 5.4 L Saviem 598 td I6
Transmission5-speed manual
Chronology
PredecessorSaviem SG4 (for some applications)/Saviem SM
SuccessorRenault S Midliner

History

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In the early 1970s, DAF, Magirus-Deutz, Volvo and Saviem formed the Club of Four to develop and manufacture a medium-duty truck. In order to do this, the company European Truck Development (ETD) was established in the Netherlands.[1]

The Saviem version of this new truck range, the J, entered into production in 1975 and was fitted with MAN engines assembled under licence at Saviem's Limoges factory.[1] Later, the range incorporated other engines. It went on sale in Britain in 1979, shortly before the name was changed to Renault.[2]

Characteristics

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Dimensions

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The range was originally composed of three models: JN 90, JP 11 and JP 13, with the latter being subdivided into 13A, B and C.

The JN 90 was a 9-ton GVW (gross vehicle weight) truck with various wheelbases from 2.7 to 5.05 metres (8.9 to 16.6 ft). The JP 11s were 11-ton GVW models with wheelbases from 2.85 to 5.2 metres (9.4 to 17.1 ft). The JP 13 had various combinations of engine and dimensions available.[3]

Later, the company introduced the lighter, four-cylinder JK range: JK 60 (6-ton GVW), JK 65 (6.5-ton GVW) and JK 75 (7.5-ton GVW). Wheelbases ranged from 2.7 to 4.45 metres (8.9 to 14.6 ft).[2] The six-cylinder JN added various version between 7.5 and 8.5-ton GVW.[4] Saviem also introduced the JR/JX range for trucks over 19-ton GVW.

Engines

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The first engines of the J range were two 5.49L straight-six engines (the 597 and the 598) which had been fitted previously to the Saviems SM7 and SM8. The 597 was an atmospheric with a power output of 112 kW (150 hp) at 2,900 rpm and a torque of 402 N⋅m (296 lb⋅ft) at 1,700 rpm. The 598 was turbocharged and had a maximum power output of 127 kW (170 hp) and a torque of 454 N⋅m (335 lb⋅ft).[3] The JK range added the 720 straight-four MAN-licensed engines, producing 67 kW (90 hp) at 3,000 rpm and 172 lb⋅ft (233 N⋅m) at 1,680 rpm.[4][5]

Transmission

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A single gearbox, the S 5.35 type from ZF, was used on all the range. It was a fully synchronized five-speed unit.[3] Later were incorporated the S 5.25 (for the JK models) and a Saviem-made unit.[6]

Suspension

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The J range had a suspension of leaf springs with dampers and anti-roll bars at the front and rear.[3] The steering is a worm and sector setup.[5]

References and sources

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  1. ^ a b Carroll, John; Davies, Peter James (2007). Complete Book Tractors and Trucks. Hermes House. pp. 66–67. ISBN 1-843-09689-7.
  2. ^ a b Kennett, Pat, ed. (August 1979). "French without tears". TRUCK. London, UK: FF Publishing Ltd: 71.
  3. ^ a b c d Montgomerie, Graham (10 January 1975). "First crack at the Club". Commercial Motor. 141 (35). London: IPC Transport Press: 26–28. ISSN 0010-3063.
  4. ^ a b Norbye, Jan P. (27 August 1979). "Berliet, Saviem absorbed in smooth Renault move". Automotive News. Detroit: Crain. ISSN 0005-1551.
  5. ^ a b French without tears, p. 78
  6. ^ "Renault Trucks Serie J". Esassone.com. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 4 March 2015.