Dec
19
Chrysler to use aluminum axles
Filed Under Chrysler News
The conventional materials for the axles in these vehicles are steel and iron in combination. The unusual aluminum axles are expected to consume between 3.2 million and 4.2 million pounds (net) of aluminum annually; in the form of A380.1.
Using, cast axle tubes, differential carriers and caps from the Inverness Castings Group (ICG), Dowagiac, Mich., Chrysler will put the components together for use in the front ends only, of each four-wheel-drive Durango and Dakota models. The decision to specify aluminum front-axle assemblies for those vehicles was made because of the need to compensate for the extra weight of the four wheel drive systems.
Chrysler sources said they eventually will take more weight out of those models by changing to magnesium from aluminum in the transfer cases, and by substituting lighter-weight materials in certain other applications, as well.
The rear drive axle assemblies in those models-as well as both the rear and front assemblies in all two wheel drive versions of the Durangos and Dakotas–will continue to use iron and steel components in combination. As designed, the tubes are conventional steel units and the carriers, iron.
