LAS VEGAS, Nev. — As the industry’s first downsped powertrains age, it’s important to replace worn parts with aftermarket components designed to handle the higher torque loads associated with downspeeding.

That was the message from Dana, which during Heavy-Duty Aftermarket Week introduced a line of aftermarket components designed for trucks employing downspeeding. The company has added more than 150 Spicer part numbers for the Spicer AdvanTek 40 series tandem drive axles and Spicer Life Series SPL 350 driveshafts and universal joints.

“Spicer AdvanTek axles and SPL 350 driveshafts have become the premier drivetrain offering for vehicle systems that take advantage of engine downspeeding,” said Doug Wolma, vice-president and general manager, Dana Aftermarket Group. “Our service parts offering provides the same quality and performance features as our OEM (original-equipment manufacturer) parts for new vehicles. This is especially critical when considering the torsional load put on the drivetrain that is created by engine downspeeding.”

New products include Spicer universal joints, axle carriers, axle housings, axle shafts, yokes, seals, overhaul kits and power dividers. All have been designed to handle the higher torque loads associated with downspeeding.

During a press briefing, Dana officials emphasized the importance of using aftermarket parts that were designed to handle the higher torque generated by downsped powertrains. Downspeeding increases torque on downstream components by about 57%, however more fleets are spec’ing downsped powertrains to take advantage of the fuel savings. Every 100 rpm reduction in engine speed translates to a fuel economy improvement of 1%, Dana claims. The company warns fleets to look at a downsped powertrain as a complete system and not to replace individual parts with aftermarket components that weren’t designed to handle the heavier torque loads.