Abstract: A differential assembly for a vehicle includes a drive train for transferring motive power from an engine drive member to the right and left drive shafts which are coupled, respectively, to ground engaging members of the vehicle. The drive train includes a rotating element operatively engaged to the drive member and to the right and left drive shafts. The differential assembly further includes a first speed sensor is arranged to measure rotational speed of (i) the rotating element or (ii) one of the right and left drive shafts, and a second speed sensor arranged to measure rotational speed of one of the right and left drive shafts. The second speed sensor arranged to measure rotational speed of the other of the right and left drive shafts when the first speed sensor is arranged to measure rotational speed of one of the right and left drive shafts.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a vehicle frame assembly configured to accommodate different first and second suspension system configurations via mounting fixtures. The vehicle frame assembly can include a main frame assembly, and a frame assembly connected to and extending away from the main frame assembly. Multiple mounting locations can be provided on at least one of the main frame assembly and the frame assembly, each of the mounting locations being configured to accommodate one of the mounting fixtures. The mounting locations can include a first set configured for use with the first suspension system configuration, and a second set configured for use with the second suspension system configuration.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a vehicle frame assembly configured to accommodate different first and second suspension system configurations via mounting fixtures. The vehicle frame assembly can include a main frame assembly, and a frame assembly connected to and extending away from the main frame assembly. Multiple mounting locations can be provided on at least one of the main frame assembly and the frame assembly, each of the mounting locations being configured to accommodate one of the mounting fixtures. The mounting locations can include a first set configured for use with the first suspension system configuration, and a second set configured for use with the second suspension system configuration.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a gear rack and a pinion engaged to the gear rack. The gear rack is movable in a translational manner relative to a housing in response to a steering input command received by the pinion. A first bracket is connected to a first end portion of the gear rack and a second bracket is connected to a second end portion of the gear rack. Each of the first and second brackets extends inwardly toward the opposite end portion of the gear rack. First and second tie rods are connected to the respective first and second brackets. The pinion is located between respective end portions of the first and second tie rods. A travel limit element is attached to and offset from the rack housing. Movement of the gear rack is controlled by engagement of the first and second brackets with the travel limit element.

Abstract: A differential assembly for a vehicle includes a drive train for transferring motive power from an engine drive member to the right and left drive shafts which are coupled, respectively, to ground engaging members of the vehicle. The drive train includes a rotating element operatively engaged to the drive member and to the right and left drive shafts. The differential assembly further includes a first speed sensor is arranged to measure rotational speed of (i) the rotating element or (ii) one of the right and left drive shafts, and a second speed sensor arranged to measure rotational speed of one of the right and left drive shafts. The second speed sensor arranged to measure rotational speed of the other of the right and left drive shafts when the first speed sensor is arranged to measure rotational speed of one of the right and left drive shafts.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a gear rack and a pinion engaged to the gear rack. The gear rack is movable in a translational manner relative to a housing in response to a steering input command received by the pinion. A first bracket is connected to a first end portion of the gear rack and a second bracket is connected to a second end portion of the gear rack. Each of the first and second brackets extends inwardly toward the opposite end portion of the gear rack. First and second tie rods are connected to the respective first and second brackets. The pinion is located between respective end portions of the first and second tie rods. A travel limit element is attached to and offset from the rack housing. Movement of the gear rack is controlled by engagement of the first and second brackets with the travel limit element.

Abstract: A locking collar for association with a differential and configured to facilitate operation of vehicle in one of a two-wheel drive mode, a four-wheel drive mode, and a four-wheel drive mode with a locked differential is provided. The locking collar includes a first set of internal splines.