Abstract: An adjustable pinion offset in a differential axle assembly. The offset between a pinion gear and shaft relative to a ring gear in the differential axle assembly is adjustable due to an eccentric mounting of the pinion assembly relative to the differential housing containing the ring gear. The pinion shaft is eccentrically mounted within a bore of the differential housing such that a simple rotation of the pinion assembly about the eccentric pilot mounting adjusts the position of the pinion shaft with respect to the ring gear to adjust pinion offset. Once properly positioned, the pinion assembly is secured to the differential housing to maintain the desired position. This invention substantially reduces the noise associated with gear offset error.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a live spindle wheel end assembly wherein the spindle also functions as the inner race for the wheel bearings and wherein the spindle includes an outwardly extending barrel extension capable of receiving a manual or an automatic hub lock mechanism to selectively couple the spindle to a drive axle that may be provided in four-wheel drive applications so that the spindle may receive torque from the drive axle.