Dana's Off-Highway Systems Introduces Spicer Life Series ® 55 Service-Free Driveshaft

München, Germany -- Mar 29, 2004 -- Dana Corporation’s (NYSE:DCN) Off-Highway Systems introduces an improved Spicer Life Series® 55 service-free driveshaft, specifically engineered for off-highway applications such as backhoe loaders and front end loaders.

Featuring Glidecote® slip splines for reduced friction, the series will also be available with long length compensation for easier installation and a wider range of application capability.  The standard Hytrel™ thermoplastic boot was replaced with a hard seal can option to protect the slip member.  In addition, advanced triple lip sealing ensures dirt and other contaminants are kept out, further enhancing service life.

According to Paul Bishop, vice president and general manager, Heavy Vehicle Technology and Systems - Driveshaft, “The Spicer Life Series® range of driveshafts has been improved to stand up to the wear and tear of heavy duty off-highway and construction tasks, better able to withstand the higher loads experienced.”

The product will be available with a full range of end fittings, including the Spicer Life Series® Quick Disconnect™ end yokes, which reduce the time required to remove or install the driveshaft while minimizing the need for field service.

The Spicer Life Series® 55 is the first of this new generation to be available. Further developments will bring a full line of products to retrofit with existing Spicer® 10-Series from 1410 to 1610.

Off-Highway Systems Overview

Off-Highway Systems is part of Dana Corporation’s Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Group. Off-Highway Systems is composed of division facilities and research and development operations in Belgium, Brazil, China, India, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The group designs, manufactures, assembles, and markets axles and transaxles; driveshafts and end-fittings; transmissions; torque converters; electronic controls; and brakes. Off-Highway Systems also provides replacement parts and service.

Off-Highway Systems serves 30 countries and more than 1,000 vehicle assembly and manufacturing facilities. In addition, through Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Service, it has two global distribution centers and more than 50 authorized service center locations serving more than 100 countries. Construction, agriculture, specialty chassis, forestry, underground mining, material handling, outdoor power,

leisure/utility vehicles, and industrial equipment are just some of the markets that demand the quality found in Spicer’s off-highway systems and products.

Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets.  The company’s continuing operations employ approximately 45,000 people worldwide and reported sales of $7.9 billion in 2003.  Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates hundreds of technology, manufacturing, and customer service facilities in 30 countries.

  For more information, please visit www.dana.com/offhighway. 

 

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