Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC

Dana Corporation

Steve G Slesinski

Leo Wenstrup

Dale L Kwasniewski

Francisco Garcia

Gary Turner

Ryan W Laskey

Jeff M Moreau

Dave Moses

Paulo R Schilling

Tom Lyon

An input arrangement for a drive axle system and a drive axle system are provided. The input arrangement comprises a splined sleeve and an input shaft. The splined sleeve has a first end drivingly engaged with a portion of a driveshaft and a second end which defines a splined recess. The input shaft has a first splined portion on an end of the input shaft. The first splined portion is complimentary to and axially slidably engageable with the splined recess of the splined sleeve. The input arrangement for a drive axle drive system eliminates a need for a companion flange, reduces a weight of the drive axle system, and reduces noise, vibration and harshness.

Slip in axle assembly for a tandem axle assembly

A drive axle assembly is provided with a reduced part count and improved alignment. The assembly includes a drive axle housing with input and output shafts and an inter-axle differential that is driven by the input shaft. The inter-axle differential is drivingly coupled to the output shaft and divides power between first and second axles. The output shaft is a unitary member and defines a yoke at one end disposed outside of the drive axle housing and restrained against axial movement within the drive axle housing. A bearing set is disposed between the output shaft and the drive axle housing and includes first and second bearing cones and a unitary bearing cup. The bearing cup includes threads that engage corresponding threads in the drive axle housing.

Output yoke shaft and assembly

A method for converting a non-driven tag axle system to a driven axle system is disclosed where a forward driven axle system is converted to drive an interaxle drive shaft. The interaxle drive shaft is connected to a drive axle head mounted within the tag axle housing. Drive axles are connected to drive axle head. In another embodiment, a forward driven axle system is removed from a first position on the vehicle frame and the tag axle is removed from a second position on the vehicle frame. A differential is installed in the tag axle and it is located in the first position. The forward driven axle system is located in the second position and connected to the differential in the first position.

Method for converting a non-driven tag axle system to a driven axle system

The present invention relates to a connection between a spindle and a bearing assembly to retain the bearing assembly on the spindle. A combination lock washer and spindle bearing assembly is provided to include a spindle, thrust washer, lock washer and nut in which the lock washer simultaneously locks the inner thrust washer and an outer spindle nut. According to the present invention, the thrust washer, lock washer and nut may be oriented at any angle relative to one another allowing for infinite bearing adjustment positions.

Combination lock washer and spindle bearing assembly

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Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Steve G Slesinski