Abstract: The invention is directed to a vehicle front-drive axle assembly having a front differential including a housing supporting left hand and right hand one-piece assemblies. Each of the left hand and right hand assemblies extend outwardly from the housing, and include an axle tube having a first end coupled to the housing and a second end having an integral yoke member. The one-piece assemblies further have integral bracket assemblies having outwardly extending mounting portions for mounting of vehicle suspension components and for securing the axle assembly to the vehicle. Each of the left hand and right hand one-piece assemblies are manufactured by suitable casting procedures, providing an assembly which has greater structural integrity than when multiple components are welded together, and which reduces cost and simplifies assembly into the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an axle differential bearing preloading apparatus and method of assembling an axle differential. The apparatus provides a substantially uniform differential bearing preload regardless of wear of the drive gears or bearing assemblies. The assembly of the differential case into the differential carrier is simplified, and subsequent adjustment of bearing preload is not necessary over the useful life of the axle. The vehicle axle differential includes a differential case mounted by axially spaced bearing assemblies. The bearing assemblies are mounted within bearing seats formed in the carrier housing, with one of the bearing seats also housing a load deflection member acting on the bearing assembly. The load deflection member maintains a substantially constant predetermined bearing preload upon wear of the drive gears or bearing assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for retaining a shaft within a differential case. A first groove is formed on the interior of an aperture formed through the differential case, which aperture is adapted to receive and retain one end of a shaft therein. The end of the aperture which faces outwardly of the differential case is provided with a chamfered shoulder thereabout. One or both of the sidewalls of the first groove are also chamfered outwardly from the groove. A second groove is formed in the exterior of the end of the shaft. The first and second grooves are adapted to be aligned when the end of the shaft is in a desired position relative to the differential case. A retaining ring is disposed in the first and second grooves in interfering relationship between the shaft and the differential case so as to prevent axial movement of the shaft relative to the differential case.