- Capable ‘Cross Trac’ four-wheel drive system
- Comfortable front seats
- Powerful 5.7-litre LS1 V8 engine
- Firm ride when unladen
- V6 engine coarse above 3000rpm
- Upright rear seats and limited rear legroom
- Heavy steering for low-speed manoeuvres
- Weight blunts dynamics and fuel economy
- Automatic transmission provides clunky downshifts
Holden VY.II Crewman (2003-05)
Overview
Released in August 2003, the Holden VY Series II (VY.II) Crewman was a double cab utility. Manufactured in Elizabeth, South Australia, the range initially consisted of rear-wheel drive Crewman and Crewman S models – powered by 3.8-litre V6 petrol engines – and the Crewman SS – powered by a 5.7-litre petrol V8 engine. In December 2003, the four-wheel drive and V8-powered Crewman Cross 8 was introduced.
Engines: L36 V6 and LS1 V8
Of the engines,
- The 3.8-litre L36 pushrod V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block and cylinder head, multi-port fuel injection, two valves per cylinder, a single balance shaft and a compression ratio of 9.4:1; and,
- The 5.7-litre LS1 pushrod V8 engine had all-aluminium construction, a 99 mm bore, 92 mm stroke, sequential multi-port fuel injection, flat-topped pistons, two valves per cylinder, twin knock control sensors and a compression ratio of 10.1:1.
Transmissions: 4L60E and T56
All engines were available with four-speed 4L60E automatic transmissions, while the V8 engine was also available with six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmissions.
Development and dimensions
Like the related VY One Tonner , the VY Crewman had a part-monocoque and part-chassis frame construction with a ‘torque arm’ system which consisted of two vertical uprights at the front of the chassis frame which bolted to the back of the cab.
The VY.II Crewman was 5305 mm long (5310 mm for the Crewman SS), 1870 mm wide, 1498 mm tall and had a 3200 mm long wheelbase. Maximum towing capacity for V6 Crewman models was 2100 kg, while V8 models had a capacity of 2500 kg.
Suspension
The Crewman had MacPherson strut front suspension and a live rear axle with four leaf springs, a reinforced prop shaft and rear axle housing, heavy duty wheels and tyres. The Crewman S and SS were also fitted with limited slip rear differentials.
Like the VY One Tonner , the standard Crewman models had maximum front and rear axle loads of 1180 kg and 1800 kg, respectively. For the Crewman SS, however, maximum rear axle load was 1460 kg.
| Variant | Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Unnamed], S |
2003-04 | 3.8-litre L36 petrol V6 | 4sp auto | 152 kW at 5200 rpm | 305 Nm at 3600 rpm |
| SS | 2003-04 | 5.7-litre LS1 petrol V8 | 4sp auto, 6sp man. |
225 kW at 5200 rpm | 460 Nm at 4400 rpm |
| Cross 8 | 2003-05 | 5.7-litre LS1 petrol V8 | 4sp auto | 225 kW at 5200 rpm | 460 Nm at 4400 rpm |
Cross Trac: permanent four-wheel drive system
The Cross 8 variants were fitted with Holden’s ‘Cross Trac’ permanent four-wheel drive system which included a New Venture NV124GM transfer case and three open differentials (front, centre and rear). In normal conditions, the Cross Trac system provided a 38:62 front:rear torque split.
In the event that excessive wheel spin was detected at any wheel, the brakes would be applied to that wheel to redistribute torque to the wheels with more traction – this operation was termed an ‘automatic brake differential’ or ABD by Holden. Developed by Holden for local conditions, the Cross Trac system included calibrations for dirt roads and loose surfaces.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the VY Crewman included dual front airbags and front seatbelts with pretensioners with load limiters; the S was further equipped with ABS, while the SS and Cross 8 added front side airbags. The Cross 8 was also fitted with electronic brake force distribution and traction control.
Brakes
The rear-wheel drive VY Crewman models had 296 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs with twin-piston calipers and 286 mm by 16 mm solid rear discs. The Crewman Cross 8, however, had 302 mm by 28 mm vented front brake discs.
Features: Crewman, Crewman S and Crewman SS
Standard features for the Crewman included a six speaker Blaupunkt sound system with a CD player, a power adjustable driver’s seat, folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
Beyond this, the Crewman S added 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, power antenna, power windows, chrome exhaust tip, a tonneau cover, limited slip differential and an alarm system. The SS was also fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, six-stack CD player and front fog lamps.
Compared to the SS, the Crewman Cross 8 was distinguished by its automatic headlights, raised ride height and bolstered wheel arches.
Crewman Features
Crewman Specifications
Related links
- Holden Media Archive: New Holden Crewman Is One of a Kind (August 2003)
- Holden Media Archive: Holden’s Cross Trac All Wheel Drive System (September 2003)
- Holden Media Archive: Holden’s Crewman Cross 8 Sports Ute (October 2003)
- Wikipedia.org: Holden VY Ute, Crewman and One Tonner
