Dana Holding Corporation (NYSE: DAN) announced today it will feature a Jeep® Wrangler Sahara fitted with The Ultimate Dana 60TM Axles at Auto Shanghai 2015. The Ultimate Dana 60 front and rear axles are the most durable aftermarket axles available for Jeep Wrangler JK models.
Marking a nearly 75 year relationship, Dana has provided axles for the Jeep Wrangler since its predecessor, the Willys MA, was first introduced in 1941. Today, Dana’s axles are featured as standard on the Jeep Wrangler, including the Dana 30™ or Dana 44™ solid front axles and Dana 44 heavy-duty rear axle, which feature significant power density and durability.
For those interested in extreme off-roading, Dana offers The Ultimate Dana 60™ axles, a purpose-built aftermarket product that is a direct-fit, bolt-in solution for the Jeep Wrangler JK platform. The axles are compatible with the existing ABS system and feature massive brakes, which are fitted with dual piston calipers to enhance stopping capability with large off-road tires. These models utilize a full-float design, which carries vehicle weight through the housings instead of the shaft to deliver greater load-carrying ability. Also featured are 35-spline SAE 4340 nickel chromoly steel shafts designed to handle large torques experienced off-road. Specially designed Spicer performance gears transfer power to the wheels, using three-axis face hobbed and lapped technology to ensure low noise and improve durability. Both axles provide selectable traction from all four tires due to electric locking differentials.
The front axle features SPL®-70 universal joints, which are the largest wheel joints in the industry, and were fitted to provide the exceptional strength needed to manage high torsional loads experienced off-road. A special housing is utilized to improve ground clearance and improve the ability to slide over rocks.
The Ultimate Dana 60 front and rear axles were tested under extreme duty conditions. Full laboratory testing and validation was done in Dana’s state-of-the-art laboratory to reproduce the most severe load conditions and to ensure high reliability. Real-world vehicle validation also occurred as the axles were out-fitted in multiple Jeep Wrangler JKs and driven in some of the most extreme off-road trails in Moab, Utah – a location in the United States known for the toughest trails with names like “Hell’s Revenge,” “Steel Bender,” and “Metal Masher.”
“Dana’s high-performing axles are designed and validated to take the punishment that off-road enthusiasts love to dish out,” said Bob Pyle, president of Light Vehicle Driveline Technologies. “In an industry that is continually pushing forward and evolving, we strive to be a catalyst for innovation by delivering our customers the best driveline and powertrain products. It’s inspiring to have a partner in Jeep that shares the same drive.”
China is one of Jeep’s largest markets for Wrangler sales outside the United States.
Auto Shanghai 2015 takes place through April 29 at the National Shanghai Center for Exhibition and Convention. Dana’s booth, and the Jeep Wrangler Sahara display, will be located in Hall 5.1H, Stand 5BF101.
