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FleetPride & Genuine Dana Spicer

Written April, 2023

The Wheels “That Keep On Turning”

In the mid-19th century, inventors introduced driveshafts in various applications, ranging from bicycles to horse-drawn machines used for mowing. Driveshafts are essential components that transfer torque from the engine to the wheels, allowing vehicles to move forward and backward. Driveshafts transformed power transmission by offering a more efficient and reliable method of propulsion.

Humble Beginnings of Dana Spicer

As a college student in 1903, Clarence Spicer made his mark in the automotive industry with the invention of the first enclosed universal joint (u-joint). This groundbreaking invention replaced the challenging and unreliable chain drives, which required frequent lubrication, previously used to propel cars. The following year, Spicer founded the Spicer Universal Joint Manufacturing Company, which we now know as Dana Spicer.

Over the course of 117 years, Dana Spicer has made significant contributions to the automotive industry, spanning iconic vehicle technologies such as the Model T, World War II Jeep, and even the mass-produced battery electric car in recent times. All these inventions share a common goal: delivering engine torque to the drivetrain with maximum efficiency and smoothness.

Be Equipped with Expertise

When faced with a failed driveshaft caused by scenarios like sudden traction, extreme torque, or overloading, Dana Spicer is the preferred choice for all your driveline replacement parts needs. They are renowned manufacturers in both the OEM and heavy-duty aftermarket industries.

Unsure of which universal joint you need? Visit your nearest FleetPride branch to to use the Dana Spicer Yoke Measurement tool to easily measure your driveshaft yoke. This will ensure that you get the correct Spicer u-joint right from the start.

Heavy Duty Tech Tip:

From The Heavy Duty Experts™, experiencing vibrations from your drivetrain? Consider a few of these leading causes:

Transverse vibrations indicate the driveshaft is out of balance. Inspect for damage; consider balancing your driveshaft if no damage is visible.
Torsional vibrations can cause driveshaft twisting, leading to fatigue failure, worn splines, loosening of nuts and bolts, and broken tube welds. Causes may include non-uniform velocity, unequal u-joint operating angles, or incorrect driveshaft specifications. Inspect and check driveshaft phasing and the operating angles of your driveshaft.
Secondary couple vibrations can also be caused by the operating angle at the drive end of your driveshaft. Every u-joint that operates at an angle creates a secondary couple load that transverses down the centerline of the driveshaft.
Black rubber "dust" near the center bearing can be an indication of secondary couple vibrations. Check u-joint operating angles and ensure they are within 1-degree from each other. Make sure each u-joint operating angle is no more than 3-degrees.

Appropriate operating angle of your drivetrain’s universal joint is crucial for maximum service life. To prevent significant damage, ensure that your driveline angle is correct. This should be with no more than a three-degree u-joint operating angle. You can use the Dana Spicer Driveline Operating Angle Calculator, which is available as an app, to easily determine the correct angle.

Dana Spicer: Industrial Leader

For more than a century, Dana Spicer has prioritized durability by offering a wide range of driveshaft solutions for both light and commercial vehicles. They provide the necessary fitment combinations to meet the demanding requirements of the road. Experience what every rig operator desires: minimal upkeep, extended life, and decreased operating costs.

As a member of the Top Fortune 500 Company list every year since 1955¹, Dana Spicer partners with FleetPride to ensure you stay Ready for the Road Ahead™. This partnerships provides the performance powering of vehicles, worldwide. With conventional and clean-energy solutions, Dana Spicer is the perfect manufacturing partner for your driveshaft needs.

To purchase top-quality Dana Spicer parts for your truck's drivetrain, visit FleetPride's website at fleetpride.com. Experience the reliability and performance that comes from choosing the industry's best. Contact FleetPride's knowledgeable team today for all your heavy-duty aftermarket needs.

* The forgoing is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your local FleetPride Heavy Duty Experts to verify the suitability of a part for the intended application.

Resources

¹ (2022, May 24). Fortune 500 Companies List Every Year Since 1955. Fortune. Retrieved March 1, 2023, from https://fortune.com/2022/05/24/fortune-500-companies-list-every-year-exxonmobil-chevron-pfizer/