Spicer Axle, Driveshafts
Dana has introduced its Spicer AdvanTEK 40 tandem axle, an all-new 40,000-lb axle for a variety of class 8 applications. The company says it features a design that increases fuel economy, improves reliability, reduces vehicle weight, and decreases total ownership costs.
At the same time the company also launched a new Spicer Life Series main driveshaft and inter-axle shaft specifically designed to supply greater torque, durability, and savings for severe-duty vocational applications as well as low-emission, high-efficiency trucks. They’re said to be well suited to the new axle.
Dana offers standard-service and extra-heavy-duty versions of the new SPL-350 driveshaft, as well as the complementary SPL-250 inter-axle shaft. Available in the second half of 2013, they’re said to extend the expected life of the drivetrain and eliminate application restrictions on engine power in linehaul and vocational vehicles.
The new Spicer AdvanTEK 40 axle sports the industry’s fastest axle ratio of 2.26:1, developed to handle higher input torques and lowering engine rpm at cruise speed while increasing axle efficiency by up to a claimed 1.2%. There are ratios suited for direct-drive transmission drivetrains requiring rear axle ratios from 2.26 to 2.79 and overdrive-transmission ratios from 2.93 to 3.91.
The axle is up to 21 lb lighter than competitive 40,000-lb tandems, Dana says. Options include Dana’s patented wheel differential locks, lubrication pump, breather, and Spicer LMS and LMSi hubs. Others include thick-wall housings and Dana’s versatile SelecTTrac tool for maximizing GAWR rating for aluminum hubs and maximizing bearing life in single wide-based tire configurations.
Optimum inter-axle driveline angles allow for parallel axle installation, avoiding installation variables and vehicle issues with certain air-ride suspensions. Further refinements in the design of the Spicer AdvanTEK 40 axle deliver improved durability of U-joints, less vehicle downtime, and lower maintenance costs.
Don’t expect to order this one soon as Dana won’t start production on the axle until early 2014. As far as we can tell, the SPL-350 driveshaft and SPL-250 inter-axle shaft are available now.
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