AAPEX Show Booth #1458
DETROIT, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Axle &
Manufacturing (AAM), which is traded as AXL on the NYSE, today announced a
new exclusive aftermarket 3.42 PowerDense(R) gear set for 2003 to 2007
Dodge Ram Heavy Duty 2500/3500 turbo diesel pickups. The gear set and its
technology will be showcased at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo
(AAPEX), October 31 through November 2.
AAM Aftermarket now offers Dodge Ram diesel pickup owners the 3.42
ratio gear set as an alternative to the numerically higher ratio gear sets
that are currently available. The lower ratio set reduces engine rpm, which
helps improve fuel economy under normal driving conditions which exclude
hauling, climbing grades, or pulling a trailer.
The 3.42 ring and pinion is designed to fit inside the original
equipment AAM 9.25-inch front and 11.5-inch rear axles without
modifications to the transmission or the truck's on-board computer. In
pre-2007 pickups the front axle requires a new redesigned differential case
along with new side and differential pinion gears. All 2007 models have the
advantage of coming with a factory installed redesigned differential case,
side and pinion gears making the installation process easier.
AAM PowerDense(R) Ring and Pinion Gear Sets
AAM utilizes state-of-the-art face hobbing to generate the gear tooth
form in a two-cut process. This represents AAM's latest effort to enhance
NVH, durability, quality and reliability of its ring-and-pinion gear sets.
The key advantage of a two-cut gear set occurs when the components are
being hobbed or generated. Hobbing creates more surface area and equal
tooth depth. This produces lower alternating bending stress levels while
creating a more even distribution of loading across all of the teeth. The
results are reduced levels of NVH and increased durability.
Another key advantage of the two-cut process is the use of continuous
indexing. In the manufacturing process the gear teeth are generated
simultaneously with uniform tooth spacing and no imperfections.
Additionally, the two-cut manufacturing process permits tighter
backlash specifications between the gear and the pinion. Backlash is
defined as the amount of free play between two gears in their operating
positions. The results are reduced heat, NVH, driveline clunk and increased
gear set durability.
Finally, two-cut manufacturing is an environmentally friendly process.
Since the components are dry cut, the presence of a coolant medium at the
point of engagement of a tool and a component is eliminated. Without
coolant, no mists or smoke are produced.
Tough Stuff
AAM PowerDense(R) gear sets are made from high quality Society of
Automotive Engineering (SAE) steel purchased only from approved AAM and OEM
steel suppliers. Special high core hardenability steel is utilized to
enhance the design and manufacturing process of the gear sets.
Made Even Tougher
The specified steel also lends itself to precision shot peening which
extends the life of AAM PowerDense(R) gear sets. In this process spherical
shot is targeted at the root of the gear teeth and bombards the surface,
resulting in compressive stresses to combat fatigue loading. The
compressive stress increases AAM ring-and-pinion durability and
reliability.
AAM parts are also forged, lapped and heat treated to meet OE
manufacturers' stringent standards. Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) are
then used to inspect the parts for accuracy.
AAM - Tough to Beat
AAM engineering teams have advanced the design and manufacturing
processes of driveline systems, chassis systems and metal formed products
since 1994. AAM designs, tests and validates its ring and pinion sets to
vehicle manufacturers' exact specifications. AAM's on-going programs in
NVH, thermal management, vehicle-system efficiency, dynamics and vehicle
handling and other disciplines assure customers that the parts they are
getting incorporate the latest product, process and systems technology.
For more information on AAM gear sets and other products and services,
visit the Internet at http://www.aam.com or dial 1-800-299-AXLE.
About AAM
AAM is a world leader in the manufacture, engineering, design and
validation of driveline and drivetrain systems and related components and
modules, chassis systems and metal-formed products for light trucks, sport
utility vehicles and passenger cars. In addition to locations in the United
States (in Indiana, Michigan, New York and Ohio), AAM also has offices or
facilities in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico,
Poland, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
Certain statements contained in this press release which are not
historical facts contain forward-looking information with respect to the
Company's plans, projections or future performance, the occurrence of which
involves risk and uncertainties that could cause the company's actual
results or plans to differ materially from those expected by the company
which include risk factors described in the Company's filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
For more information...
Renee B. Rogers
Manager, Communications & Media Relations
(313) 758-4882
Renee.Rogers@aam.com
Or visit the AAM website at http://www.aam.com
SOURCE American Axle & Manufacturing
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Related links:
http://www.aam.com/
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/033813.html /
CONTACT:
Renee B. Rogers, Manager, Communications &
Media Relations, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.,
+1-313-758-4882, Renee.Rogers@aam.com
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