What better place to evaluate new Jeep® upgrades from Dana, than exactly where Jeep enthusiasts converge to put their own modified vehicles to the extreme test? During the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, Dana Incorporated tested out its new tire inflation system and axle product concepts, and they passed with flying colors.
One advancement that Dana engineers subjected to 13 days of harsh evaluation in this rugged environment is the new automated Spicer® OpTiMa® central tire inflation system (CTIS). This enhanced tire inflation technology offers Jeep enthusiasts the opportunity to spend more time having fun on the trails, since there’s less time spent inflating and deflating tires.
Originally created for government and vocational vehicles, the system allows drivers to adjust tires to optimal pressure level based on the terrain – from paved surfaces to sand, mud, and steep inclines – via a convenient push-button operation. Dana evaluated their CTIS technology on customized Jeep Wranglers for its ride and handling enhancements, along with component durability. After the tough testing, all CTIS components remained intact, with no damage or degradation of system performance.
Dana also successfully validated their new bolt-in aftermarket axle upgrades, designed for larger tires or engine swaps. The Ultimate Dana 80™ rear axle assembly and Ultimate Dana 60™ Kingpin front axle were conceptualized to satisfy off-road enthusiasts’ desire for tires larger than 40 inches, and HEMI® or LS V8-engine swaps. Potentially, drivers could use these robust axles to safely upgrade their Jeeps, without fear of overwhelming the existing drivetrain.
“Dana is committed to developing the highest-quality products for our customers, which requires that we rigorously test and validate them before they are introduced to the market,” said Bob Pyle, president of Dana Light Vehicle Driveline Technologies. “Moab’s desert terrain is a fun and rugged environment for evaluating our technology.”
“Moab’s desert terrain is a fun and rugged environment for evaluating our technology,” said Bob Pyle, president of Dana Light Vehicle Driveline Technologies.
From climbing rock formations and fording streams to traversing desert trails and paved highways, the challenges offered at Moab make it a magnet for off-roaders. Begun in 1967, the Easter Jeep Safari is a nine-day event consisting of day-long trail rides departing from Moab. Participating in the event allowed Dana engineers to take testing out of the lab and into the field, and prove that its exciting product concepts could tackle the toughest conditions.
In addition to testing the product concepts mentioned above, Dana demonstrated the performance of its line of recently launched Dana aftermarket axles and Spicer drivetrain components for the Jeep Wrangler JL. The line of drivetrain upgrades – including Ultimate Dana 60™ front and rear axles and Spicer Performance nodular iron differential covers, chromoly axle shafts, bearing kits, and expanded ratio gears – also successfully endured the tough Moab terrain. They are available now at danaaftermarket.com.
Participating in the Easter Jeep Safari allowed Dana engineers to take testing out of the lab and into the field, and prove that its exciting product concepts could tackle the toughest conditions.
“Dana is a trusted name for serious off-roaders, and we have built a legacy with the Wrangler brand and lifestyle,” said Peter Cirulis, vice president of customer experience, strategy, and product planning for the Dana Aftermarket Group. “We will continue to introduce new aftermarket solutions to meet the unique desires of the Jeep enthusiast community.”
