Dana Tests Axles, Tire Inflation System at Jeep Safari

Each year, Moab, Utah, hosts the annual Easter Jeep Safari during which 4×4 enthusiasts get to climb some of the most beautiful and remote trails this country has to offer. For the last 10 years, Jeep has allowed its engineers to build for the event, which in some cases offer clues about upcoming technology. We've even seen some pretty interesting full-size pickup trucks on the trails.

But they're not the only ones having fun and testing things in Moab.

Dana Corp., maker of driveline technologies, did some testing at the 2018 Easter Jeep Safari with several Jeep Wrangler Unlimiteds to gather real-world feedback on some new pieces we might see on a future Jeep pickup. They included a pair of heavy-duty live axles, one called the Ultimate Dana 80 and the other the Ultimate Dana 60. Both are designed for Jeep builders looking to run 40-inch or larger tires or modified Hemi or LS V-8 engines. Naturally, these axles also could inspire Ram, Ford or GM to offer some interesting special editions.

Dana also brought along a new, more compact central tire inflation system that allows the driver to raise or lower tire pressures from inside the cab with the push of a button. Some may remember this system from the military-based AM General Hummer line a few decades ago. Originally created for government and vocational applications, Dana is now looking to see if there's a market for the inflation system in the consumer arena. Being able to manually (or automatically) control settings and keep tire pressures within the optimum range could be a huge advantage for both SUVs and tow vehicles, benefiting the safety, capability and longevity of a vehicle.

For now, Dana is just studying the feasibility of these products, but they could become a reality if the company thinks there's a market for them in the popular and profitable full-size pickup market.

Manufacturer images