Dana Corporation’s Commercial Vehicle Systems Group took the opportunity to present a new axle series, a new axle system and wheel ends for the heavy duty market at a recent Roadranger event in Kalamazoo, Mich.

The new Dana Spicer D-2000F steer axle series is geared to heavy duty vocational components for heavy haul applications. Designed for compatibility with both air disc and drum-style brakes, the new axles also offer a five-inch drop beam option, as well as increased axle ratings to better meet the performance demands of construction, refuse, fire truck, and other heavy haul applications.

“The choice of disc or drum brakes allows the customer to better tailor the vehicle for their application needs, while axle ratings of up to 22,800 pounds allows greater payload,” said Mark Davis, product manager – steer axles for Dana. “These features can add up to a lot more productivity for the fleet.”

“The deeper five-inch beam drop option allows the truck manufacturer to lower the chassis, and that opens the door to several important customer benefits,” said Davis. “These include improved cab entry and exit and additional passenger room in the cab.”

Dana officials also introduced the heavy-duty Dana Spicer LMS hub system to complement its new 20,000- and 22,000-pound GAWR steer axle series. By doing so, Dana hopes to offer customers extended wheel end life, reduced maintenance and downtime, and improved performance.

The hub system design controls bearing adjustment and eliminates installation variables that can lead to end play, premature wheel seal failure, brake lining replacement, and wheel bearing failure, resulting in increased uptime and lower life cycle costs, say officials.

Dana Spicer LMS hub systems are approved for both on- and off-highway applications and are available in a range of axle ratings — up to 22,800 pounds GAWR for steer axles. The new LMS hub system is also compatible with both drum brake configurations and air disc brake technologies. Warranty coverage is for up to three years or 350,000 miles on steer axles, with Dana-approved lube.