Dana Incorporated (NYSE: DAN) today announced that The Ultimate Dana 60™ and The Ultimate Dana 44™ axles for the Jeep® Wrangler JK will be available with an ARB® Air Locker® option. This feature will be available on The Ultimate Dana 60™ axle at the end of 2016 and on The Ultimate Dana 44™ axle in the Spring of 2017. The announcement was made at the 2016 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The ARB Air Locker utilizes a pneumatically operated locking system located inside the differential. When activated, the system stops the differential gears from rotating, preventing the axle shafts from turning independently of each other. With both wheels locked into the rotation of the ring gear, the vehicle maintains maximum traction at all times. When unlocked, it operates just like a conventional “open” differential.
“The ARB Air Locker option allows the vehicle to be driven in a slower, safer, and more controlled manner, greatly reducing the likelihood of vehicle damage and environmental impact,” said Doug Wolma, vice president and general manager, Dana Aftermarket Group. “This gives off-roaders the traction they need, when they need it, all at the flip of a switch and all within the comfort of the driver’s seat. It’s the perfect addition for the serious off-roader.”
The Ultimate Dana 60™ axles, introduced at SEMA 2014, are bolt-in replacement upgrades for front and rear axles on the Jeep Wrangler. The axles feature:
- 35-spline, nickel chromoly steel axle shafts designed for higher torque, larger tires, and off-road punishment;
- A greatly enhanced carrier with Spicer® performance ring and pinion gearing;
- Massive SPL® 70 u-joints, exclusive to Dana;
- Full-float design for greater load-carrying capacity; and
- Upgraded, heavy-duty brakes with plug-and-play ABS.
The Ultimate Dana 44™ axle, introduced at last year’s SEMA show, is a bolt-in replacement upgrade for front axles on all Jeep Wranglers from 2007 to the present. Among the improvements incorporated into The Ultimate Dana 44™ axle are:
- Increased axle tube thickness to 5/16 inch for improved strength, rigidity, and durability;
- Redesigned, thicker brackets with 1/4-inch steel;
- Nickel chromoly axle shafts designed for optimal strength and performance;
- Spicer® Life Series® 1350 u-joints with triple lip seals and full-circle clips for ultimate protection and retention; and
- High-strength nodular iron performance differential cover with a Spicer® performance gasket.
ARB Air Locker systems employ a 12-volt ARB air compressor (not included with Ultimate Dana 44 or 60 axles) designed to activate/deactivate the locking mechanism inside the differential. The ARB Air Locker features forged gears and an improved two-piece design that adds increased strength and durability. These design improvements have reduced the number of moving parts, resulting in a much firmer and responsive activation along with increased load bearing capabilities.
Dana will highlight a number of new products at its SEMA Show booth, No. 36097, located in the South Hall Upper at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
