DANA Corporation showed off some of its latest product developments at the 2004 Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. One of the newest products unveiled is the FrontRunner air-over-leaf front suspension.
Still under development, the FrontRunner suspension is designed for durability and reliability. It can provide better operator comfort with improved vehicle handling and control and reduced fatigue.
The FrontRunner accomplishes this through the integration of current and advanced suspension technologies that combine a single taper leaf spring and a specially designed air spring. New composite materials are used in the suspension.
Among other new products from Dana are two new steering axles and the latest in tandem-drive axles.
The new D-600N and D-700N steering axles are specifically developed for Class 4 and 5 low-cab-forward (LCF) trucks. Both the D-600N (6,000-lb GAWR) and the D-700N (7,000-lb GAWR) feature a host of patented innovations, including:
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A new power rib design that optimizes weight and improves handling for increased vehicle productivity.
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Two in-line draw-keys with spring washer retention that improves durability and alignment capability.
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New tie rod ends with a sealed boot and grease purge valve that improves durability and reduces maintenance.
Additional component highlights include a high, nine-degree kingpin angle and reduced scrub radius to improve steering and vehicle handling; and up to 55-degree turn angle capability for increased maneuverability and productivity. The D-600N and D-700N axles were set for limited-quantity production during the 2004 second quarter, with full production scheduled to begin in November.
New on the drive-axle side is the D170 series axle, which has been designed to improve truck performance in some of the industry's most demanding applications, including logging, refuse, construction, and other heavy hauling.
With gross axle weight ratings from 46,000 to 50,000 pounds, and what Dana claims is the industry's broadest range and greatest number of gear ratios — from 3.07 through 7.17 — the D170 series allows for maximum performance across a variety of vocations. Dana expects the axles to be particularly popular in Mexico and Canada, where payloads often exceed those that are typical in the United States.
The D170 series includes extra-wide face-width gearing for increased strength and durability with heavier loads and significantly larger wheel differential gearing for maximum strength and reliability. For optimal spinout protection, improved fuel efficiency, and cooler operating temperatures, a patented on-demand lube pump with internal no-maintenance filter is offered as an option.
Additional D170 features include forged, heat-treated steel differential cases; integrated ring gear and wheel differential mounting system; integral pinion cage and carrier; high precision bearing adjustment system; and best-in-class interaxle driveline angles that considerably reduce harmful vibrations. Through the use of advanced technology processes and six new patented or patent-pending features, Dana engineers increased heavy-tandem axle performance and reliability while reducing overall part count by more than 50% when compared with conventional heavy-duty axles.