Abstract: A multiple rear drive axle system for a vehicle includes a first axle coupled with a drive shaft from a transmission of the vehicle. The first axle includes a first cantilevered input pinion mechanically coupled with the drive shaft and with a first driven gear. The system also includes an output shaft mechanically coupled with the drive shaft. A second axle has a second cantilevered input pinion mechanically coupled with the output shaft of the first axle system and with a second driven gear. The first and second input pinions are common, that is, are substantially identical pinions. The first and second driven gears are also common, that is, are substantially identical gears.

Abstract: An enclosed axle differential lock is provided which includes an axle carrier assembly within which is a bearing having a bearing cap. A differential housing rotates, supported by the bearing, with a pinion gear and a side gear each rotating in the differential housing and meshing together. An axle is driven by the side gear. A clutch may be used to lock the differential housing and the axle together. The clutch includes a first clutch element fixed to the differential housing and a second clutch element splined on the axle and axially movable thereon, the second clutch element having a first disengaged position in which the first clutch element and the second clutch element are substantially disconnected, and a second engaged position in which the first clutch element and the second clutch element are substantially drivingly connected. An actuator is integrally disposed in the bearing cap which urges the second clutch element from the first disengaged position to the second engaged position.

Abstract: An enclosed axle differential lock is provided which includes an axle carrier assembly within which is a bearing having a bearing cap. A differential housing rotates, supported by the bearing, with a pinion gear and a side gear each rotating in the differential housing and meshing together. An axle is driven by the side gear. A clutch may be used to lock the differential housing and the axle together. The clutch includes a first clutch element fixed to the differential housing and a second clutch element splined on the axle and axially movable thereon, the second clutch element having a first disengaged position in which the first clutch element and the second clutch element are substantially disconnected, and a second engaged position in which the first clutch element and the second clutch element are substantially drivingly connected. An actuator is integrally disposed in the bearing cap which urges the second clutch element from the first disengaged position to the second engaged position.