TAMPA, Fla. — Dana has introduced a pair of tag axles that promise to improve fuel efficiency, reduce weight and even lower OEM installation costs, all while making it easier to convert a 6×2 tractor into a 6×4.

“With Spicer axles and conversion kits, owners can easily increase the resale value of their trucks while being provided with the opportunity to change the application or vocation of their vehicles at any point during the lifecycle of the truck,” says Jay Klinko, senior product manager, heavy-duty drive axles.

The new axle, when specified with a Spicer S170 or S190 single drive axle in the forward drive position, sheds about 400 pounds from a traditional tandem with a 40,000 lb. Gross Axle Weight Rating.

Traction issues traditionally associated with 6×2 tractors can be addressed with a differential lock, six-channel ABS system, or adjusting bag pressures in an air suspension, Klinko said.

The lower installation costs came by eliminating the inter-axle driveshaft, rear axle head unit, rear axle shafts and rear axle lube.

“The proprietary and unique value-added feature of these new tag axles is that they use a specifically designed bolted cover plate and pressed-in spindle plugs,” Klinko added. “For future vehicle purposes, these components can be removed easily and replaced with a functional Spicer rear drive head unit and axle shafts without having to replace the entire rear tag axle. This patented, cost-effective process allows conversions from a 6×2 to 6×4 and back.”