At the beginning of the 20th Century, motor vehicles were still in their infancy, powered much like a bicycle, with two sprockets and a chain. Although this worked after a fashion, it was loud, difficult to lubricate, and unreliable.
The Birth of the Universal Joint
In 1902, Clarence Spicer, an engineering student at Cornell University, began exploring ways to improve the way in which power was transferred from the engine to the wheels. He realized he could greatly increase the transmission of power by making modifications to the cardan u-joint. He placed reinforced universal joints at both ends of a tubular shaft. By encasing the joints in a bowl-shaped housing, he ensured that they were protected from road debris while at the same time retaining their lubrication.
Things Would Never be the Same
This game-changing alteration was awarded a U.S. patent in 1903, and subsequently Clarence established his universal joint company in Plainfied, New Jersey. He was hailed as the man who had “unchained the automobile,” and changed the automotive industry forever.
A Legend is Born
In 1914, Charles Dana, an attorney and politician, joined forces with Spicer and provided financial support for his ever-growing business. This was the start of what is today a globally renowned and respected axle, driveshaft and transmissions company, Dana Limited. The Spicer name still lives on in OE replacement parts known for their quality, technology and innovation.
While Dana is the brand name for the full axle, the internal components, such as the gearing and axle shafts, among others, are genuine Spicer brand products.
Genuine Dana Spicer axle service parts – axle shafts, axle carriers, ring and pinion gearing, etc. – are available for most classes of vehicles, from automotive to commercial and off-highway.
In fact, you will find a Dana Spicer axle in vehicles throughout the last Century, from the Model T Ford and the World War II-era Jeep®, to giant earth-moving machines, iconic London taxis, 18-wheel rigs, and every car on the NASCAR® racing circuit.
A Dana Spicer® axle provides low maintenance, low cost service, coupled with tough, reliable performance and a rugged design able to withstand most off-highway applications. Most series have several options available, so you can customize the products for your specific requirements.
Palmer Johnson is an authorized distributor and service center for Dana Spicer Off-Highway, among others. Visit us at for more information.
