Dana has announced a new driveshaft specifically engineered to further support engine downspeeding. Its next-generation driveshaft weighs 30 lb less than existing products, the company says, and it’s tailored to address the specific torque-management strategies of individual truck makers.

Engineered with fewer components, it offers a simplified installation process to reduce assembly costs for OEMs and simpler maintenance for truck owners.  Performance and vehicle dynamics are said to be improved with reduced noise, vibration, and harshness levels, which can also extend component life.

Available now for pre-production evaluation by OEMs, it’s designed for severe-duty, long-haul applications on class 8 trucks. The driveshaft is ready for powertrains of the future that will be engineered for further engine downspeeding, says Dana, enabling an axle ratio lower than 2.26:1.

Engine downspeeding is not a one-size-fits-all solution, the company says. Each OEM implements this efficiency-boosting strategy in its own way, resulting in very specific torque-handling requirements.