Dana Holding Corp. said its new Spicer Formed Aluminum Tube Driveshaft, designed for SUVs, medium-sized pickups and light commercial vehicles up to Class 6, offers manufacturers a single-piece assembly that delivers reduced weight and increased assembly clearance when compared to a traditional two-piece steel driveshaft.
Available in the summer of 2013 as an option for Spicer Life Series driveshafts in North America, the Spicer Formed Aluminum Tube Driveshaft weighs up to 25% less than two-piece steel assemblies, and it reduces cab noise and vibration, according to the maker.
“With more than a century of driveshaft innovations, Dana offers a complete range of technologically advanced products that provide industry-leading efficiency, reliability and performance,” said Pat D’Eramo, president of commercial vehicle drivetrain technologies at Dana. “The Spicer Formed Aluminum Tube Driveshaft is the latest innovation from Dana to deliver the premium benefits demanded by buyers of light commercial vehicles.”
In addition, Dana debuted tire pressure management technology optimized for line-haul tractors, the first internal axle system of its kind for powered commercial vehicles. Currently undergoing initial road testing on commercial-vehicle tractors, these concepts have been engineered to automatically maintain proper inflation for drive and steer axles, significantly increasing vehicle fuel efficiency and reducing maintenance, the company said.
Dana’s tire pressure management technology for line-haul vehicles automatically initiates periodic system and pressure checks while driving, eliminating the time drivers would otherwise spend checking tire pressure at stops. As needed, it inflates tires to the optimum pressure and can equalize pressure in all tractor tires, minimizing tire dragging and premature wear. A closed design isolates the tires, preventing a hose failure or tire puncture from affecting the other tires, the maker added.