Abstract: A cast aluminum differential housing for a motor vehicle powertrain having cast iron inserts. The housing is cast of light weight aluminum which weighs approximately one-third that of iron which has formerly been used to fabricate such housings. At locations of significant loads and wear, such as the mountings for the stub shaft associated with the two idler bevel gears, iron inserts are cast into the housing. The housing thus weighs significantly less than a comparable iron differential housing but since the two significant wear and load bearing regions include cast iron inserts, the aluminum differential housing of the present invention has the ruggedness, durability and service life of the much heavier iron housing.

Abstract: A cast aluminum differential housing for a motor vehicle powertrain having cast iron inserts. The housing is cast of light weight aluminum which weighs approximately one-third that of iron which has formerly been used to fabricate such housings. At locations of significant loads and wear, such as the mountings for the stub shaft associated with the two idler bevel gears, iron inserts are cast into the housing. The housing thus weighs significantly less than a comparable iron differential housing but since the two significant wear and load bearing regions include cast iron inserts, the aluminum differential housing of the present invention has the ruggedness, durability and service life of the much heavier iron housing.