1.rear axle housing
2.after sale service
3.designing ability
4.OEM availability
The axle housing may be of the one-piece or split (banjo) type construction. The former, known as the banjo type because of its appearance, is far more common (fig. 5-22). Notice that openings, both front and rear, are provided in the center housing. The front opening is closed by the differential carrier, while the rear is closed by a spherical cover plate. Since the assembly must carry the weight of the vehicle, the axle housing in heavy trucks and tractors is a heavy cast unit. In light-duty trucks it may be a combination of cast and steel tube; in general, the center or differential and final drive case is a cast and machined unit, whereas the axle housings themselves may be welded or extruded steel tubing.