Abstract
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for mounting a front differential to the frame of a vehicle that has been equipped with off road components to achieve proper alignment without decreasing ground clearance. The apparatus may include first and second support brackets having bushings that directly engage the differential thereby eliminating bulky spacers that otherwise decrease ground clearance.
Claims
1. An apparatus for increasing clearance below a vehicle comprising: a. a driver side differential support arm comprising a first section for engagement with a front cross member of a vehicle chassis without a bushing therebetween, and a second section that is generally perpendicular to said first section for engagement with a differential of said vehicle; b. a passenger side differential support arm comprising a first end for engagement with said front cross member of said vehicle chassis without a bushing therebetween, and an opposite end for engagement with a differential of said vehicle; and c. a rear pinion mount for engagement between said differential and a rear cross member of said vehicle chassis, wherein the installation of said driver side arm, passenger side arm, and rear pinion mount increase the forward vertical clearance of the vehicle.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said driver side arm, passenger side arm, and rear pinion mount replace factory components and position said differential in a forward and lower position such that drivetrain components of the vehicle are realigned to factory positions while providing the vehicle with increased forward clearance.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second section of said driver side support arm further comprises a plurality of mounting holes with bushings therein for mounting to factory mounting locations of the differential; and the opposite end of said passenger side support arm further comprises a plurality of mounting holes with bushings therein for mounting to factory mounting locations of the differential.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second ends of said passenger side arm are offset from each other in parallel planes, and are separated by an angled connecting bracket.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a skid plate extending from said rear cross member, below said passenger side and driver side support arms, to a further front cross member for protecting said passenger side and driver side support arms and said rear pinion mount.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said skid plate includes an opening therein for receiving a lower portion of said differential.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said skid plate includes a second opening therein for receiving a fastener of said rear pinion mount.
8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said rear pinion mount is mounted on top of said rear cross member using a fastener extending upward from below and through said rear cross member, and said skid plate includes an opening therein for receiving said fastener.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said fastener includes a reinforcing bracket having an outwardly extending flange, and said opening in said skid plate is sized to receive said flange.
10. An apparatus for mounting a front differential to pre-existing fastening locations of a vehicle chassis comprising: a. a first side arm comprising a first frame bracket and a first differential bracket separated by an elongated arm, wherein said first frame bracket mounts to a bottom of a front cross member of said vehicle chassis, and said first differential bracket has a plurality of mounting holes with bushings therein for mounting to factory mounting locations of the differential; b. a second side arm comprising a second frame bracket at one end having at least one hole thereon for mounting to at least one factory mounting location on said front cross member of said vehicle chassis, and a second differential bracket having a plurality of mounting holes thereon having bushings therein for engaging with factory mounting locations of the differential; and c. a rear pinion mount that is operable to secure said differential to a rear cross member using a pre-existing mounting location; wherein said first arm, second arm, and rear pinion mount replace corresponding factory components in order to position said differential in a forward and lower position such that the drivetrain components of the vehicle are realigned to the factory position while providing the vehicle with increased forward clearance.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said elongated arm separates said first frame bracket and first differential bracket such that said brackets are offset from each other and are on different parallel planes.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said second differential bracket engages with factory mounting locations of said differential and is perpendicular to said second frame bracket.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the frame brackets of said first and second side arms are attached to said front cross member without a bushing to increase the clearance under the crossmember at the frame bracket mounting locations.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a skid plate attached to a further front cross member and to said front and rear cross members to shield an underside of said vehicle.
15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said elongated arm attaches to said first frame bracket and said first differential bracket at an angle ranging from about 10° to about 17.5° and said brackets are offset by a distance ranging from about ½ inch to about 2 inches.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of said bushings comprises an assembly comprising two symmetrical sleeve bushings and a compression sleeve.
17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said second frame bracket is weldably attached to said second differential bracket.
18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said first side arm is positioned on a passenger side of the differential and said second side arm is positioned on a driver side thereof.
19. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said second frame bracket has a slot operable to align said second differential bracket perpendicular to said second frame bracket.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a right side (passenger side) support arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a side view of a right side (passenger side) support arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention
[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a left side (driver side) support arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a side view of a left side (driver side) support arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a right side (passenger side) support arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the right side (passenger side) support arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the left side (driver side) support arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a left side (driver side) support arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a right side (passenger side) support arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a left side (driver side) support arm, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a front differential pinion mount, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 12 is an exploded rear view of a differential pinion mount and fastening hardware, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a front differential, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the differential, right side arm, and left side arm assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 15 is an exemplary passenger side view of a differential secured to a vehicle chassis showing a right side support arm and a differential pinion mount, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 16 is an exemplary driver side view of a differential secured to a vehicle chassis showing a left side support arm and a differential pinion mount, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the underside of a vehicle chassis having a differential secured to the vehicle chassis using embodiments of a right side support arm, left side support arm, and differential pinion mounts of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 18 is a driver side view of a vehicle chassis illustrating a differential secured thereto using a right side support arm, left side support arm, and pinion mount, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 19 is a passenger side view of a vehicle chassis illustrating a differential secured thereto using a right side support arm, left side support arm, and pinion mount, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 20A is an exploded view of an exemplary bushing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 20B is a perspective exploded view of an exemplary bushing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 20C is an assembled view of an exemplary bushing, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 21 shows a comparison of an embodiment of a passenger-side support arm of the present invention and an after-market support arm it is designed to replace.
[0056] FIG. 22 shows a comparison of an embodiment of a driver-side support arm of the present invention and an after-market support arm it is designed to replace.
[0057] FIG. 23 shows a comparison of an embodiment of a pinion mount of the present invention and an after-market pinion mount it is designed to replace.
[0058] FIG. 24A is a driver side view of a vehicle chassis and differential attached using after-market components and showing an after-market skid plate.
[0059] FIG. 24B is a driver-side view of a vehicle chassis and differential attached using an embodiment of the invention including an embodiment of a skid plate.
[0060] FIG. 25 are front views showing a side by side comparison of a differential mounted using after-market parts (left side), and a differential mounted using an embodiment of the present invention (right side), illustrating the offset achieved.
[0061] FIG. 26 are side views showing a side by side comparison of a differential mounted using after-market parts (right side) and a differential mounted using an embodiment of the present invention (left side) illustrating the different angles of the pinion output shaft and the mounting component alignment differences.
[0062] FIG. 27 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a new skid plate and differential mounting arms of the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 28 is a bottom perspective view of an after-market skid plate with OEM differential mounting arms.
[0064] FIG. 29 is a bottom perspective view of prior art after-market parts installed on a vehicle chassis to raise the chassis from the ground.
[0065] FIG. 30 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing an embodiment of a skid plate and pinion mount that is flush with said skid plate.
[0066] FIG. 31 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the rear pinion mount.
[0067] FIG. 32 is an exploded view of the embodiment of the rear pinion mount of FIG. 31 showing a method of attachment to a vehicle frame.
[0068] FIG. 33 is a side environmental view of a prior art pinion mount attached to vehicle frame.
[0069] FIG. 34 is a front environmental view of the pinion mount of FIG. 33.
[0070] FIG. 35 is a front environmental view of a vehicle chassis having an embodiment of a pinion mount of the present invention attached thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0071] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without all of the specific details provided.
[0072] Referring to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and referring particularly to FIG. 17, it is seen that the illustrated embodiment of the present invention may be attached to a vehicle chassis having a lifted suspension and an independent front suspension. The illustrated chassis has a front, a rear, a right side (sometimes referred to as the passenger side), and a left side (sometimes referred to as the driver side). The front of a vehicle is represented by the directional vector “F” throughout the several views. The chassis may have a front cross member 10A and rear cross member 10B, as shown in FIG. 17. The chassis and cross members are sometimes referred to herein as the frame.
[0073] FIGS. 21-23 illustrate the existing after-market parts that embodiments of the present invention are designed to replace. FIGS. 24A and 29 show these existing after-market parts installed on a vehicle chassis to raise the chassis from the ground. These parts include a pair of support arms 45, 46 with large bushings 47, 48 at the ends thereof. The bushings are needed to maintain alignment of the wheel axles after the chassis has been raised. While the support arms 45, 46 raise the chassis increasing clearance, the large bushings 47, 48 protrude downward thereby eliminating much of the clearance obtained. The loss of clearance is exacerbated if an after-market skid plate is then installed, as shown in FIG. 28. The improved clearance obtained by embodiments of the present invention is illustrated in the comparative view of FIG. 27 which shows an embodiment of a skid plate of the present invention that may be installed once the other parts of embodiments of the present invention are installed. The clearance obtained from embodiments of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 27 is much better than that obtained using existing after-market parts illustrated in FIG. 28.
[0074] FIGS. 1-10 illustrate an exemplary embodiments of left side (passenger side) support arms 100, and right side (driver side) support arms 110; and FIGS. 11-12 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a rear mount (e.g., pinion mount) 120. It is to be appreciated that the support arms 100, 110 and rear mount 120 are designed to move the differential forward and below the factory position of the differential in order to accommodate realignment following the installation of off road equipment on the vehicle.
[0075] Referring to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, it is seen that the illustrated right side (passenger side) support arm 100 may be an assembled (e.g. welded together) or an integrated part having an elongated central arm 106 connecting a frame bracket 101 to a differential bracket 102. The frame bracket 101 may have a through-hole 103 operable to secure the right arm 100 to the chassis 10 with a threaded fastener 300. The frame bracket 101 and the differential bracket 102 may be positioned on different planes establishing a bracket offset. Although the brackets 101, 102 may be offset, the frame bracket 101 and differential bracket 102 planes may be substantially parallel and separated by the elongated arm 106. The elongated arm 106 may interface with both brackets 101, 102 at the same angle β. This angle β may vary depending on the amount of differential offset desired, which may be dictated by such things as the size of the vehicle, the particular off road equipment installed, the size of the tires, and other factors. By way of example and without limitation, angle β may range from about 10 degrees to about 17.5 degrees, but which in any event is proportional to the offset required to drop the differential. In many scenarios, and without limitation, the desired drop of a differential may range from about ½ inch to 2 inch from a factory or after-market position, and the differential drop may be proportional to the offset of both brackets 101, 102. In embodiments of the left side support arm 100, a pair of mounting holes 104a, 104b may be provided on differential bracket 102, which may receive a pair of concentric bushings 150a, 150b. These mounting holes 104 and bushings 150 are designed to align with bolting locations 301a, 301b on the differential, for attachment using bolts 306a and 306b, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0076] Exemplary embodiments of a left side (driver side) support arm 110 are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, which may be assembled (e.g., welded together) or integrated into a single part. These embodiments have an elongated central arm 116 connecting between a frame bracket 111 and a differential bracket 112. The frame bracket 111 may have at least one mounting hole 113 operable to secure the leading end of the arm to a pre-existing location on the vehicle chassis 10. The differential bracket 112 may have a plurality of mounting holes 114a, 114b, 114c that may be fitted with bushings 150a, 150b and 150c which align with lateral mounting holes 302a, 302b, 302c provided on the differential 300, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Because the differential mounting holes 302a, 302b, 302c are positioned on a lateral surface, it is seen that the frame bracket 111 and the differential bracket 112 may have a substantially perpendicular relationship. Embodiments of the elongated arm 116 may connect to the frame bracket 111 at an angle θ. This angle θ (like angle β of the passenger side support arm 100), may vary depending on the amount of differential offset desired which may be dictated by such things as the size of the vehicle, the particular off road equipment installed, the size of the tires, and other factors. By way of example and without limitation, angle θ may range from about 13.5 degrees to about 20 degrees. The elongated arm 116 angle θ may resolve to a planar plate 116B that is substantially parallel to the frame bracket 111 and may be operable to secure the differential bracket 112 perpendicular to the frame bracket 111. The elongated arm angle θ may offset the planar plate 116B and the frame bracket 111 a distance necessary to achieve realignment of the differential following installation of off road equipment, and may have a range of, without limitation, about ½ inch to about 2 inches from the factory or after-market position. The differential mounting holes 302a, 302b. 302c may each may have a bushing 150 therein for interfacing between the left side arm 110 and the differential housing 302.
[0077] In other embodiments, the right side (passenger side) support arm may be manufactured from flat plates as shown in FIGS. 5-6 and FIG. 9. In these embodiments, the right side support arm 200 may be manufactured from weldable materials such as aluminum, titanium, steel, or metal alloys. The right side support arm 200 may have a frame plate 201 and a differential plate 202 having an elongated connecting arm 206 therebetween. The elongated arm 206 may be operable to offset the frame plate 201 from the differential plate 202 such that the differential has a position forward and lower in comparison to the factory position of the differential. The frame plate 201 and differential plate 202 may be secured to the elongated arm 206 with weldments. The elongated arm 206 may have tabs on each end of the arm 206a, 206b to aid with component alignment during manufacturing and strength of weld connection. The frame plate 201 may have a slot 201b positioned on a trailing end of the frame plate 201 and the differential plate 202 may have a slot 202a on the leading edge of the plate. The frame plate slot 201b and the differential plate slot 202a are secured to opposite ends of the elongated arm 206. For example and without limitation, the elongated arm tab 206a may align the frame plate slot 201b on a centerline of the elongated arm 206 and may be weldably fixed together. On the other end of the elongated arm 206, the tab 206b may align the differential plate slot 202a with the elongated arms 206 on the centerline and weldably fixed together. The interface of the tabs 206a, 206b, and the slot 202a, 201b may be welded along the seams created at the junction of the frame plate 202 and the differential plate 203 with the elongated arm. The elongated arm 206 may be perpendicular to the frame plate 201 and the differential plate 202. The frame plate may have one through hole 203 operable to align the arm 200 with the chassis front crossmember 10A, the differential plate 202 may have at least two through holes 204a, 204b that are operable to align the arm with the factory positions on the differential housing 302. The frame plate may be attached to the vehicle chassis with the fastener 307. The differential plates through-holes 204a, 204b may each have a bushing assembly 150a, 150b operable to align the shaft of the respective fastener 306a, 306b. See FIGS. 13-14.
[0078] FIGS. 7, 8 and 10 illustrate another embodiment of a left side (driver side) support arm 210. In these embodiments, arm 210 may be constructed from a frame plate 211 and a differential plate 212 that are weldably secured together at a reciprocal slot and tab location. For example, the frame plate 211 may have a slot 211a on a trailing end and the differential plate may have a tab 212b on the leading edge that align the plates together to form the arm 210. When the tab 212b and the slot 211a are connected edges 217 are formed and the plates are welded together at the edges 217. The frame plate 211 may have a pair of through holes 213 that are operable to secure the arm to the front cross member 10A and the differential plate 212 may have a plurality of through-holes 214a, 214b, and 214c that are operable to align with factory holes on the differential 302a, 302b, and 302c. The differential plate 212 may be fashioned perpendicular to the frame plate 211 similarly to the factory one, however the alignment holes 214a-214c may have a position that is rotated about the mounting location on the frame as is discussed further below. The alignment holes 214a, 214b, 214c each may be equipped with a bushing 215a, 215b, 215c and each may have a compression sleeve 216a, 216b, 216c therein to interface between shaft of a threaded fastener 312a, 312b, and 312c and the compression sleeves corresponding bushing.
[0079] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a pinion mount 230. In these embodiments, the pinion mount 230 may be positioned between the differential 300 and a rear cross member 10B. As described above, support arms 100, 110 and/or 200, 210 secure the front side of the differential to the frame. Embodiments of rear mount 230 secure the rear end of the differential at the pinion shaft housing 303. Embodiments of the pinion shaft housing 303 may have a through hole flange 305a that aligns an embodiment of a threaded pinion mount flange 236 of the present invention; and a threaded flange 305b that aligns an embodiment of a pinion mount through hole 231 of the present invention. Embodiments of the threaded pinion mount flange 236 may be secured to the through hole flange 305a with fastener 346, and the pinion mount through hole 231 may be secured to the threaded flange 305b with fastener 341. Embodiments of the pinion mount 230 may have a bushing assembly 150 centrally positioned in an extension of the mount 232 and may have a washer 235 that is placed atop the bushing 150. Embodiments of the pinion mount 230 may be positioned above the rear cross member 10B and a fastener 343b may penetrate through the cross member 10B from below to fix the mount 230 in place. In some embodiments, the thickness of the pinon mount may be at least ⅜ less than the after-market or factory pinion mount.
[0080] An exemplary vehicle differential 300 including a housing 302 (e.g., casing) that encloses drivetrain components is illustrated in FIG. 13. The drivetrain components may connect a pinion gear orthogonally and the housing may have a shaft housing 303 aligned with the pinion gear. A front differential tube assembly 304 may be centered in line with the gearing in the housing 302 and perpendicular to the pinion shaft housing 303. The tube assembly 304 may have a connector operable to receive a passenger side (e.g., right side) axle, and the differential housing 302 may have a shaft output/input 330 operable to receive the connector of a driver side (e.g., left side) axle. The differential 300 may be connected to the vehicle chassis 10 between a front cross member 10A and a rear cross member 10B. See FIGS. 15 and 16. The pinion shaft housing 303 may have a through hole 305a and a bolting location 305b that is operable to secure a pinion mount 230 that is fixed above the rear cross member 10B. See FIG. 17. The tube assembly 304 may have a fixed flange 301 having two bolting location 301a and 301b, that receive a right side arm (100, 200) (e.g., passenger side). The differential housing 302 may have three lateral mounting holes 302a, 302b, 302c that secure a left side arm (110, 210) (e.g., driver side) perpendicular to the cross members 10A, 10B. See FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0081] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, the passenger side of front differential housing 302 may include a front differential tube assembly 304 secured to the differential. The tube assembly 304 may have a flange 301 having two threaded holes 301a, 301b for receiving the bolts 306a, 306b and securing the passenger side arm 200 to the tube assembly. In some embodiments, the tube assembly flange 301 may have a plurality of through holes. On the driver side there may be threaded holes 302a, 302b, and 302c operable to align and secure the right side arm 210 to the differential with the bolts 312a, 312b, and 312c. A pinion shaft housing 303 may be provided on the differential 300 and may be orthogonal to the tube assembly 304.
[0082] FIGS. 14-16 illustrate exemplary steps for reinstalling a differential 300 to an exemplary vehicle chassis 10. FIG. 14 shows the front support arms 200, 210 being attached to the differential mounting locations 301 and 302a, 302b, 302c. A right side support arm 200 may be fastened to the differential tube assembly 304 at the flange 301 with the fasteners 306a and 306b that align with the holes 301a and 301b. A left side support arm 210 is laterally attached to the differential housing 302 with fasteners 312a, 312b, 312c. A rear pinion mount 230 is secured between the pinion shaft housing 303 and the rear cross member 10B. The front arms 200, 210 attach to the front crossmember 10A share the same plane. The differential bracket 212 has a geometry operable to mount around the output shaft 330 such that there is no interference with the axle. Because there are no bushings placed between the front cross member 10A a low profile skid plate can be fixed to the undercarriage of the vehicle chassis 10.
[0083] FIGS. 20A-20C illustrate exemplary bushings 150 of the present invention.
[0084] These exemplary bushings 150 may have a three-piece construction where a compression sleeve 152 aligns a first sleeve bushing 151a and a second sleeve bushing 151b. The first and second sleeve bushings 151a, 151b may be symmetrically positioned about the mid line of the compression sleeve 152 and may have identical geometries. The geometry may be flange like where the diameter D.sub.i is sized to fit snuggly in the arm mounting holes and outer diameter D.sub.o is sized to sandwich the arm where the arm may fit has a thickness T. The length of the compression sleeve 152 may be the combined length of the first and second sleeve bushings 151a, 151b.
[0085] Referring to FIGS. 24A and 28, it is seen in that existing after-market arms 45, 47 have bushings 46, 48 that are bulky, requiring a large skid plate 49 that provides little vertical clearance. However, in embodiments of the invention such as that shown in FIGS. 24B and 29, it is seen that the right side (passenger) support arms 100, 110 along with left side (driver) support arms 200, 210 allow an embodiment of a skid plate 401 to be provided that is much closer to the vehicle frame, thereby allowing significantly more clearance. In embodiments of the invention, a small portion of the differential 300 may extend through an opening 408 in skid plate 401. Embodiments of skid plate 401 may be provided with a plurality of bolts or other fasteners 404 for attachment to rear chassis cross member 10B, and to a further front chassis member 10C such as a radiator support, part of a front fender, etc. In embodiments of the present invention, because the bushings are provided at fastening locations on the differential, instead of underneath chassis 10, a vehicle equipped with an embodiment of the invention may maintain a greater ground clearance along a longer length of the vehicle chassis, thereby enabling the vehicle to approach a rock grouping with a more aggressive angle of attack.
[0086] In alternative embodiments, a stronger pinion mount and skid plate are provided. As shown in FIG. 31, it is seen that embodiments of the pinion mount 230 may include a reinforcing bracket 347 having an outwardly extending flange 348 that may be provided for engagement with bushing 150 using an elongated bolt 344. This embodiment of the pinion mount provides a strengthened connection to the frame 10B. A corresponding opening 409 may be provided in an embodiment of skid plate 401 to allow the wider flange 348 of this reinforcing bracket 347 to pass through. Although the embodiment of flange 348 illustrated in FIG. 31 is circular, it is to be appreciated that this flange may have any suitable shape including without limitation oval, square, hexagonal, octagonal or another shape, and that opening 409 may have a corresponding shape. It is to be appreciated that once installed, bracket 347 and flange 348 are designed to be flush with skid plate 401 so as not to interfere with clearance below.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 25, it is seen that a front view of a differential mounted using after-market parts is shown on the left, and a differential mounted using an embodiment of the present invention is shown on the right, illustrating the difference in offset achieved. Referring to FIG. 26, it is seen that a side view of a differential mounted using after-market parts is shown on the right, and a differential mounted using an embodiment of the present invention is shown on the left, illustrating the different angles of the pinion output shaft as well as mounting component alignment differences.
[0088] It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention, and uses thereof, may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
