Engine

The improved powerplant had its stroke lifted by 10 mm while the bore remained the same. The displacement was lifted to 12.6 litres which resulted in increased horsepower and torque. For military variants the engines were capable of running on alternative fuels (mixtures of diesel fuel, gasoline and or aviation kerosine fuel), albeit with a performance loss. The air cooling system was retained once again with the cooling fan driven via hydraulic clutch and engine oil temperature controlled. The fuel injection pumps featured different types variable or combination governors depending on the vehicle application.

Chassis

Full length backbone tube with independent swing half axles in 4x4 and 6x6. On 6x6 models front axle suspension via adjustable torsion bars, rear axles suspended by longitudinal semi elliptic leaf springs. For 4x4 configuration rear axle was also suspended via torsion bars. Manually selectable front drive via homo-kinetic driveshafts, constant rear drive with the axle locks standard on all models.

• Front track = 1,966 mm (77.4 in)
• Rear track = 1,770 mm (69.7 in)
• Wheelbase = model specific
  • T148 S1, S3 = 3,690 mm (145.3 in)+1,320 mm (52.0 in)
  • T148 VNM = 4,260 mm (167.7 in)+1,320 mm (52.0 in)
  • T148 NTt 6x6 = 3,690 mm (145.3 in)+1,320 mm (52.0 in)
  • T148 NTt 4x4 = 3,875 mm (152.6 in)
• Ground clearance = 290 mm (11.4 in)

Transmission

The main gearbox was located behind the cabin and connected to the engine clutch housing via a short uni joint shaft (this design enables the so-called flat floor cabin) which was bolted together with the auxiliary gearbox to the backbone tube and formed the main part of the chassis structure. Options for rear power take off and winch drive were also possible. The main and auxiliary gears were fully synchronized except the first and reverse gear.

• Main gearbox – 5+1 (2-5 gear synchronized)
  • gear ratios – (1)9.97, (2)4.96, (3)2.83, (4)1.68, (5)1.0, (R)8.58
• Auxiliary gearbox – 2 speed (electro-pneumatic control via switch on the gear lever and clutch pedal activated )
  • gear ratios – (L)2.20, (H)1.62
• Step down transfer case
• Clutch – 2x plate dry (clutch pedal hydraulic and power assisted)
• Differentials – 1x front 2x rear (6x6 models) 1x front 1x rear (4x4 models)
  • final drive ratios – 3.39

Brakes

Full compressed air brakes acting on all wheels

• Main wheel brakes ----> dual circuit drum brakes adjustable "S" cam type
  • Park brake ----> mechanical via output shaft at the back of the gearbox
    • Supplementary brake ----> exhaust brake electro-pneumatically controlled

Bodywork

The Tatra T148 featured an all-steel two door cabin with a fully suspended drivers seat and a bench seat for two occupants. Special military variants included a hatch opening on the roof. The vehicle featured an independent auxiliary cab heater and included cyclone pre-cleaners mounted on the front mudguards. The vehicle's top speed was approximately 80 km/h up to 26,000 kg (57,320 lb) GVM (T148 S3) or a total truck and trailer combination of up to 38,000 kg (83,776 lb) GCM (T148 S3).