Lesson 2/Learning Event 1
Most commercial trucks use dead axles in the front and live axles in the rear. Tactical
vehicles in the Army use live axles in the front and rear. (One exception to this is the
1/4-ton truck M151 which uses a separate type of drive with an independent suspension
system on each wheel. Civilian cars also use the independent suspension system in the
front, and some use it for all four wheels.)
DEAD AXLES
Dead axles are used on the front of trucks that do not have front-wheel drive. They are
also used on trailers. When used in the front of a vehicle, they must provide for the
steering system. When used on a trailer, they need to hold the wheels in an upright
position and must be strong enough to support the trailer load. Dead axles are usually
held in line with the vehicle frame by the springs that support the vehicle load. There are
several types of dead axle designs.
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