Abstract: A drive assembly and method of braking the assembly is disclosed. The assembly has a first clutch pack that selectively brakes a driven shaft. The braking torque is transmitted to a second clutch pack in a differential where it can be distributed equally or unequally between two axle half shafts.

Abstract: A differential with an improved locking mechanism is provided. The differential includes first and second clutch members in the form of a differential case having a first set of teeth and a an axle shaft mounted clutch collar having a second set of teeth. A yoke urges the clutch into an out of engagement and is supported on a pivot shaft. The yoke is selectively urged in one direction by an actuator acting on a lever on the pivot shaft. The lever is coupled to the yoke by a spring. The yoke is urged in an opposite direction by one or more return springs mounted on the same pivot shaft. The compact nature of the locking mechanism and the balance of forces provided by the springs and actuator provide an inexpensive and reliable locking mechanism.

Abstract: A differential with an improved locking mechanism is provided. The differential includes first and second clutch members in the form of a differential case having a first set of teeth and a an axle shaft mounted clutch collar having a second set of teeth. A yoke urges the clutch into an out of engagement and is supported on a pivot shaft. The yoke is selectively urged in one direction by an actuator acting on a lever on the pivot shaft. The lever is coupled to the yoke by a spring. The yoke is urged in an opposite direction by one or more return springs mounted on the same pivot shaft. The compact nature of the locking mechanism and the balance of forces provided by the springs and actuator provide an inexpensive and reliable locking mechanism.

Abstract: A differential with an improved locking mechanism is provided. The differential includes first and second clutch members in the form of a differential case having a first set of teeth and a an axle shaft mounted clutch collar having a second set of teeth. A yoke urges the clutch into an out of engagement and is supported on a pivot shaft. The yoke is selectively urged in one direction by an actuator acting on a lever on the pivot shaft. The lever is coupled to the yoke by a spring. The yoke is urged in an opposite direction by one or more return springs mounted on the same pivot shaft. The compact nature of the locking mechanism and the balance of forces provided by the springs and actuator provide an inexpensive and reliable locking mechanism.

Abstract: A differential with an improved locking mechanism is provided. The differential includes first and second clutch members in the form of a differential case having a first set of teeth and a an axle shaft mounted clutch collar having a second set of teeth. A yoke urges the clutch into an out of engagement and is supported on a pivot shaft. The yoke is selectively urged in one direction by an actuator acting on a lever on the pivot shaft. The lever is coupled to the yoke by a spring. The yoke is urged in an opposite direction by one or more return springs mounted on the same pivot shaft. The compact nature of the locking mechanism and the balance of forces provided by the springs and actuator provide an inexpensive and reliable locking mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated axle mount for mounting an axle to a frame of a vehicle. In this embodiment, the axle mount includes a first member rigidly coupled to the frame, a second member rigidly coupled to the axle, and a third member supported by the first and second side walls of the second member. An elastic element such as a bushing is disposed about the third member and is coupled to the first member. At least one axle mount is coupled to the fore side of the axle and at least one axle mount is coupled to the aft side of the axle for supporting a frame above the axle. The elastic nature of the coupling between the axle and frame of the present invention dampens vibrations and lessens overall vehicle noise.

Abstract: A limited slip differential includes a case which is rotatably driven by a power source. A cross shaft is mounted within the case for rotation therewith. A pair of pinion gears are rotatably mounted on the ends of the cross shaft. The pinion gears mesh with side gears splined onto respect axle shafts. Thus, when the case is rotated, torque is transmitted through the cross shaft, the pinion gears, and the side gears to the axle shafts. A pair of Belleville springs are mounted to the cross shaft adjacent to the pinion gears. A hollow cylindrical spacer is disposed about the cross shaft between the two Belleville springs. The Belleville springs react against the ends of the spacer to urge the pinion gears apart from one another into frictional engagement with respective thrust washers disposed between the pinion gears and the case. As a result, the rotation of the pinion gears is restricted, thus limiting the free wheeling action of the differential.