In a move designed to reduce drivetrain damage from vibration, Dana Corporation and Eaton Corporation introduced a new Roadranger Drivetrain package at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas. Damage from torsional vibration is one of the fastest growing reasons for concern among maintenance professionals, the companies said.
The primary component in this new package is a 40,000-lb tandem drive axle from Dana Spicer. The Torsionally Tuned-40, a version of the DST40 tandem drive, is designed to reduce excessive inter-axle driveline angles. The new drive tandem also reduces weight and cost. The result is lower maintenance and a better ride, said Steve Slesinski, program manager for Spicer's Heavy Axle and Brake Division.
The new DST40 reduces torsional vibration by avoiding excessive U-joint accelerations that lead to premature failure. Keys to reducing vibration are factors such as suspension, ride height, axle torque, fifthwheel location, axle installation angles, and axle spacing. The new DST40 is designed to allow parallel axle installation by truck manufacturers. This maintains consistent angles between the leading and trailing axles in the tandem under a variety of ride height and highway conditions.
The new drive tandem is designed to be compatible with a number of popular vehicle suspensions. It can be used for linehaul or vocational applications with engines up to 500 horsepower and torque ratings as high as 1,650 lb-ft. Maximum gross combination weight rating for the DST40 is 110,000 lb.
The Torsionally Tuned-40 is warranted for five years or 750,000 miles. When it is a part of a complete Roadranger Torsionally Tuned drivetrain, warranty includes coverage for the transmission and clutch for vibration-related repairs that are normally excluded from warranty. To qualify, the DST40 must be part of a package that includes a Dana Spicer steering axle, Dana Spicer ES brakes, a Dana Spicer Life Series driveshaft, an Eaton Fuller transmission, and an Eaton Fuller Solo clutch with a VCT or seven-spring soft rate damper.
The new DST40 is currently available on a limited basis. Full production is scheduled for July 2001.
For more information, call 1-800-826-4357 or visit www.roadranger.com.