Dana Holding Corp. says its Spicer Diamond Series one-piece aluminum driveshafts now covers approximately 60% of North American heavy truck applications.

The expansion of the product line will allow weight-conscious heavy-duty customers spec'ing driveshafts anywhere from 90 to 130 inches to benefit from the lightweight characteristics of its Diamond Series technology.

The Diamond Series driveshaft is an industry-first, one-piece aluminum driveshaft using two Dana patented manufacturing processes to reduce weight while maintaining the strength of an all steel system.

Dana claims the aluminum driveshafts are up to 100 pounds lighter than comparable steel driveshafts, and can eliminate the need for a center bearing and one U-joint connection on some longer models.

Dana says the low-mass design coupled with improved U-joint cancellation eliminates start-up shudder issues, while the all-aluminum construction improves appearance and corrosion resistance. Many users, Dana points out, opt not to paint the drive shaft, preferring to polish it for enhanced vehicle image.

"Our customers are looking for ways to be more productive," said Steve Slesinski, director of global product planning at Dana. "The Diamond Series can now address approximately 60% of North American truck applications with the durable and lightweight characteristics they demand."