LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Dana Corporation announced during the Mid-America Trucking Show an expanded line of limited-slip differentials for medium-duty single and tandem axles, and a new heavy-duty drive axle gear system as a production shipment option.

The Dana Spicer limited-slip differentials are aimed to provide better traction for vehicles encountering rain, ice, snow, sand, mud and excessive grades.

“Gains in efficiency like this without added maintenance or operational complexity enhance driver safety, convenience and profitability,” said Leo Wenstrup, senior product manager for Dana. “Furthermore, these axles eliminate issues such as chatter, noise, excessive backlash and loss of effectiveness that can diminish overall vehicle performance.”

The new axle differentials feature a helical gear design that provides fully automatic torque biasing aimed at eliminating friction plates that can become worn, says the company. The differentials are available on Class 4 to 6 trucks with gross axle weight ratings between 10,000 and 21,000 lbs.

Dana’s new GenTech heavy-duty drive axle gearing is designed to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) on vehicles that require increased torque capacity and maximum durability.

“Dana’s GenTech gearing is a proprietary system utilizing the latest computer aided design methods, premium manufacturing processes, tightly controlled heat-treat and material specifications, and advanced in-line testing,” explained Wenstrup. “We have optimized the tooth geometry and contact pattern by leveraging Dana’s experience in automotive gear technology through the use of premium processes, advanced gear tooth cutting machinery and tools, and new manufacturing equipment.”

He added that the automotive-quality hypoid axle gearing results in up to 10dBA lower noise levels without compromising strength and durability.

The new technology is available on Dana Spicer’s S110 and S130 single drive axles with gross weight ratings up to 16,500 lbs., with additional axle models to follow later in 2006.