Dana Corp's Spicer Life Series Driveshafts Have Broad-Based Appeal
1 September 1998
Dana Corporation's Spicer Life Series(R) Driveshafts Have Broad-Based AppealHANNOVER, Germany, Sept. 1 -- Since its introduction in 1996 at the International Truck Show (ITS) in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, Spicer Life Series(R) driveshaft assemblies from Spicer Driveshaft Division of Dana Corporation have been targeted for global customer applications and needs. At that time, globally integrated engineering standards were incorporated into the product to ensure that the driveshaft assemblies would be a quality driveshaft option, applicable around the world. Available for heavy-duty applications, Spicer Life Series driveshaft assemblies were designed to be compatible with the world trucking industry's trend toward vehicles with higher-horsepower, higher-torque engines and lower axle ratios. In doing so, the Spicer Life(R) features an excellent weight-to- length ratio, and superior balance and stiffness to lessen drivetrain vibration and component wear. These features also have proven to be effective in improving operator comfort. Spicer Life XL(TM) universal joints (see related news release) were announced at the IAA Show in Hannover, Germany and are the latest enhancement and customer-driven option to the heavy-duty segment of the series. A Global Design for Global Customers Spicer Life heavy-duty driveshafts have metric dimensions and specifications and are used for assemblies in Europe, North and South America. Torque ratings are in Newton-meters and are designated in the Spicer Life name. For example, the Spicer Life 250 Series has a torque rating of 25,000 Newton-meters. Spicer Life driveshaft component options are available to meet the requirements of worldwide truck customers. End fittings are available in easy to service Quick Disconnect end yokes, S.A.E. and cross-serrated T-type flange yokes to accommodate varying customer preferences. Spicer Driveshaft has manufacturing and assembly facilities located in 18 countries and five continents, helping to ensure global coordination, production and manufacturing efficiencies. "We put the necessary time and resources into making certain that Spicer Life was, indeed, a world class product," said Dorian Sheail, group sales and marketing manager for the Spicer Driveshaft Europe. "That same preparation and attention to detail went into the development of the new Spicer Life XL universal joints." Spicer Driveshaft Overview Spicer has been producing driveshafts and related components since 1904, when the division's namesake, Clarence Spicer, invented the world's first practical application of a universal joint for the chain-driven vehicles of his day. Today, driveshafts are a core product for Dana Corporation. Spicer Driveshaft Division of Dana Corporation is the world's leading independent manufacturer and marketer of complete driveline systems for light, medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Division headquarters and World Center of Engineering and Technology are located near Toledo, Ohio. One of the world's largest independent suppliers to vehicular, off-highway and industrial manufacturers and their related aftermarkets, Dana produces components used on more than 95 percent of the world's 650 million motor vehicles. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates facilities in 33 countries and employs more than 79,000 people. The company had pro forma sales of $11.9 billion in 1997. Dana Corporation's world wide web address is: http://www.dana.com.