Twin-Traction Beam (TTB) is an

independent suspension Independent suspension is any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically (i.e. reacting to a bump on the road) independently of the others. This is contrasted with a beam axle or deDion axle system ...

system for front drive axles in

four-wheel drive Four-wheel drive, also called 4×4 ("four by four") or 4WD, refers to a two-axled vehicle drivetrain capable of providing torque to all of its wheels simultaneously. It may be full-time or on-demand, and is typically linked via a transfer ca ...

Ford F-Series trucks and sport utility vehicles.

Background

Twin-Traction Beam was invented by John A. Richardson and Donald G. Wheatley of Ford Motor Company covered by US patent 3,948,337 issued April 6, 1976. The patent name was “Independent front suspension for front-wheel drive” which was assigned to Ford Motor Company. The

Dana Holding Corporation Dana Incorporated is an American supplier of axles, driveshafts, transmissions, and electrodynamic, thermal, sealing, and digital equipment for conventional, hybrid, and electric-powered vehicles. The company's products and services are aimed ...

manufactured the TTB axle for Ford. It uses a

universal joint A universal joint (also called a universal coupling or U-joint) is a joint or coupling connecting rigid shafts whose axes are inclined to each other. It is commonly used in shafts that transmit rotary motion. It consists of a pair of hinges ...

in the center that allows the wheels to move independently of each other. The differential is offset to the driver's side, and a slip yoke is used on the long axle side to allow the shaft to change length. The TTB axles are variations of the Dana 28, Dana 35, Dana 44, and

Dana 50 The Dana/Spicer Model 50 was an automotive axle manufactured by the Dana Holding Corporation for 25 years and was used solely in OEM Ford applications. Dana 50's were made as front axles only until it was revived in rear solid axle configuration i ...

Applications

Common applications include: *1980–1997 F-150/F-250 *1991–1994

Ford Explorer The Ford Explorer is a range of SUVs manufactured by Ford Motor Company since the 1991 model year. The first four-door SUV produced by Ford, the Explorer was introduced as a replacement for the two-door Bronco II. Within the current Ford light ...

*1984–1990 Ford Bronco II *1980–1996

Ford Bronco The Ford Bronco is a model line of sport utility vehicles manufactured and marketed by Ford. The first SUV model developed by the company, five generations of the Bronco were sold from the 1966 to 1996 model years. A sixth generation of the mo ...

*1983–1997

Ford Ranger (North America) The Ford Ranger is a range of pickup trucks manufactured and marketed by Ford in North and South America under the Ranger nameplate. Introduced in early 1982 for the 1983 model year, the Ranger is currently in its fourth generation. Developed ...

*1993-1997 Mazda B series *1991-1993 Mazda Navajo

References

{{Dana Corporation Automotive suspension technologies

Background

Applications

See also

References