American Axle & Manufacturing will be supplying a new Independent Rear Drive Axle (IRDA) it developed with General Motors for the automaker's full-size SUVs. These include the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon Denali and Cadillac Escalade.
AAM and GM worked together to replace the prior generation rear-beam axle with a 3-mount independent rear-drive axle module. This new design involves a lightweight aluminum carrier housing and a low-offset hypoid gearset that improves efficiency and noise, vibration, and harshness performance.
"AAM and GM partnered to develop a new axle that is incredibly efficient and increases passenger comfort while still maintaining vehicle performance," explained AAM chairman and CEO David C. Dauch. "Developed and tested at our Advanced Technology and Development Center in Detroit, this system provides top-notch performance coupled with unparalleled durability."
The IRDA is offered in 9.5-in. or 9.76-in. variants with a standard mechanical limited slip differential, which enhances traction and trailering performance up to 8,400 pounds.
AAM also supplies front and rear axles for GM's full size, light-duty, and heavy-duty pickup trucks.
Recently, American Axle was named a GM Supplier of the Year for the fourth consecutive year.