Quick Facts

  • Manufacturer: Dana Incorporated
  • Brand: Spicer
  • Product Series: Compact Series Plus
  • Product Type: Lightweight steel commercial-vehicle driveshaft
  • Vehicle Range: Trucks and buses ranging from approximately 8 to 60 metric tonnes, depending on configuration
  • Primary Applications: Medium- and heavy-duty trucks, buses, and globally produced commercial vehicles
  • Construction: High-strength steel tubular driveshaft
  • Series Range: Multiple application-specific models covering different torque requirements
  • Primary Benefits: Reduced weight, improved sealing, durability, efficiency, and extended service life
  • Claimed Weight Advantage: Up to 10 percent lighter than selected competing steel driveshafts in its class
  • Production Status: Application and regional availability should be confirmed with Dana or an authorized Spicer supplier

Overview

The Dana Spicer Compact Series PLUS Driveshaft is a lightweight steel commercial-vehicle driveline developed for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. The product family is designed to transfer engine torque while reducing driveshaft mass and improving durability, sealing performance, and overall vehicle efficiency.

Dana developed Compact Series PLUS configurations for commercial vehicles ranging from approximately 8 to 60 metric tonnes. Multiple series sizes allow the driveshaft family to support different vehicle weights, powertrain layouts, torque requirements, and global commercial-vehicle applications.

The Compact Series PLUS name applies to a product family rather than one universal driveshaft assembly. Tube dimensions, universal joints, end connections, slip assemblies, lengths, torque capacities, and lubrication requirements vary by the selected series and vehicle installation.

Key Characteristics

  • Lightweight steel commercial-vehicle driveshaft
  • Designed for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses
  • Multiple models covering different torque requirements
  • Application range extending from approximately 8 to 60 metric tonnes
  • Up to 10 percent lighter than selected competing steel driveshafts
  • Improved sealing performance
  • Designed for increased durability and extended service life
  • Compact component architecture
  • Application-specific tube and end-connection configurations
  • Supports global commercial-vehicle production
  • Can help reduce rotating driveline mass
  • Requires complete application analysis before installation

Major Components

  • Steel driveshaft tube
  • Compact Series PLUS universal joints
  • Universal-joint crosses
  • Bearing cups
  • Needle bearings
  • Tube yokes
  • End yokes or flange yokes
  • Slip-yoke or sliding-spline assembly
  • Joint and spline seals
  • Dust caps
  • Joint-retention hardware
  • Lubrication fittings where equipped
  • Balance weights
  • Center-bearing equipment on applicable multi-piece drivelines

Product Type and Construction

The Compact Series PLUS is a steel tubular driveshaft that combines a weight-conscious structure with application-specific universal joints, yokes, splines, and end connections. Dana developed the series to reduce component mass without abandoning the durability required for commercial-vehicle operation.

The driveshaft tube carries torsional loads between its welded yokes. Universal joints allow angular movement, while the slip assembly accommodates changes in the distance between the transmission and axle as the chassis and suspension move.

How the Driveline or Steering Component Works

Engine torque passes through the transmission and into the front connection of the driveshaft. The rotating tube transfers that torque toward the drive axle, power divider, transfer case, or next driveshaft section.

Universal joints permit torque transfer when connected components operate at an angle. The sliding-spline assembly changes effective driveshaft length as the axle moves relative to the transmission. Correct balance, phasing, alignment, lubrication, and operating angles are necessary for smooth operation.

Position and Function Within the Vehicle

A Compact Series PLUS driveshaft may be positioned between the transmission and drive axle, between sections of a multi-piece driveline, or in another application-approved location. Tandem-drive vehicles may use a separate interaxle shaft selected for that position.

The driveshaft transfers rotational power while accommodating changes in angle and length caused by suspension travel, chassis movement, powertrain movement, and axle articulation.

Common Specifications

  • Product Family: Spicer Compact Series PLUS
  • Component Category: Commercial-vehicle driveshaft
  • Construction Material: High-strength steel
  • Vehicle Range: Approximately 8 to 60 metric tonnes, depending on the selected model
  • Series Availability: Multiple models covering application-specific torque capacities
  • Vehicle Types: Commercial trucks and buses
  • Driveshaft Arrangement: One-piece or multi-piece, depending on chassis geometry
  • Joint Type: Application-specific Compact Series PLUS universal joint
  • Slip System: Application-specific sliding-spline or slip-yoke assembly
  • End Connections: Application-specific yokes or flanges
  • Tube Dimensions: Determined by torque, speed, length, and vehicle application

Exact dimensions, ratings, lubrication requirements, and component numbers must be confirmed using the complete driveshaft assembly number and vehicle information.

Operating Capacity and Performance

The Compact Series PLUS family includes multiple models designed to cover different commercial-vehicle torque requirements. Dana developed the series for trucks and buses ranging from approximately 8 to 60 metric tonnes, but each model has its own application limits.

Performance depends on more than nominal torque capacity. Driveshaft length, tube construction, rotational speed, joint angles, slip travel, vehicle weight, transmission ratios, axle gearing, and duty cycle all influence whether a configuration is suitable.

Installation Position and System Function

The driveshaft can serve as a primary shaft in a truck or bus or as one section of a longer multi-piece driveline. Installation position influences the required tube size, shaft length, joint capacity, operating angle, slip movement, and mounting connections.

The exact driveshaft should be selected as part of the complete powertrain rather than by vehicle weight or physical dimensions alone.

Torque Transfer or Steering-Assist Function

The Compact Series PLUS transfers rotational torque and does not provide steering assistance. Its joints, yokes, tube, and splines carry power between the drivetrain components connected at each end.

Low transmission gears, high engine torque, steep grades, heavy loading, abrupt clutch engagement, and traction changes can expose the driveshaft to substantial torsional and shock loads.

Driveline Geometry and Operating Angles

Universal-joint working angles must remain within the limits established for the selected driveshaft and vehicle. Opposing joint angles should be coordinated to minimize rotational-speed fluctuation and vibration.

Ride-height changes, worn powertrain mounts, axle-position changes, center-bearing movement, frame repair, and body installation can alter driveline geometry. Measurements should be taken with the vehicle at its specified operating height.

Steering Geometry and Movement

The Compact Series PLUS is not a steering component. Steering geometry does not directly control driveshaft operation, although chassis alignment, suspension position, axle movement, and frame condition can influence driveline angles and clearances.

Slip, Articulation, and Operating Travel

The sliding-spline assembly allows the driveshaft to change length as the suspension moves through jounce and rebound. The splines must retain adequate engagement without bottoming throughout the full operating range.

Universal joints accommodate angular movement but should not be used to correct poor driveline geometry. Excessive angles increase bearing loads, heat, vibration, and wear.

Bearings, Joints, Shafts, Gears, and Structural Design

The universal joints use a cross, bearing cups, needle bearings, seals, and retaining components to transfer torque while permitting angular movement. Improved sealing helps protect the bearing assemblies from lubricant loss and environmental contamination.

The tube, welded yokes, end connections, and slip assembly form the structural driveshaft. The assembly does not contain reduction gears; transmission and axle ratios determine the torque and rotational speed passing through it.

Materials and Component Construction

The Compact Series PLUS uses steel construction optimized to balance weight, strength, stiffness, fatigue resistance, and manufacturing efficiency. Dana states that certain configurations weigh up to 10 percent less than competing steel driveshafts in their class.

Tube dimensions, yokes, bearing surfaces, splines, and seals vary across the product family. Similar-looking components should not be substituted without confirming the complete series and part number.

Hydraulic and Electric Steering Assistance

Hydraulic and electric steering assistance are not part of the Compact Series PLUS driveshaft. Trucks and buses using this driveline may have separate hydraulic, electric-assisted, or fully electric steering systems.

Electronic Controls and Driver-Assistance Integration

The driveshaft is primarily mechanical and normally has no dedicated electronic control module. Electronically controlled engines, transmissions, traction systems, stability systems, and axle controls can influence the torque and shock loads passing through it.

Engine and transmission calibrations must remain compatible with the approved driveshaft and complete powertrain ratings.

Speed, Torque, and Load Management

Driveshaft loading depends on engine torque, transmission ratio, axle gearing, vehicle weight, road grade, tire traction, and driver operation. Low gears can create substantial shaft torque even when the vehicle is moving slowly.

Highway operation can create high rotational speeds. The shaft must remain below its application-specific critical-speed limit throughout the vehicle’s intended operating range.

Vibration, Balance, and Noise Control

Driveshaft balance, phasing, joint angles, tube runout, slip-spline condition, yoke alignment, and center-bearing position all influence vibration. Dented tubing or missing balance weights can produce speed-related vibration.

Tires, wheels, axles, transmission mounts, engine mounts, suspension height, and chassis components can produce similar symptoms. The complete vehicle should be evaluated before identifying the driveshaft as the cause.

Lubrication, Sealing, and Contamination Protection

Dana designed the Compact Series PLUS family with improved sealing performance. Seals help retain lubricant and protect universal-joint and spline surfaces from water, road debris, dust, and other contamination.

Relubricatable components must receive the specified lubricant at the correct interval. Sealed or maintenance-reduced configurations still require visual inspection for seal damage, looseness, heat, and contamination.

Duty Cycle and Operating Conditions

Compact Series PLUS driveshafts can support a wide range of truck and bus duty cycles when the correct model is selected. Highway, regional, urban, passenger, vocational, and specialty applications place different demands on the driveline.

Frequent starts, heavy loading, steep grades, rough roads, contamination, large joint angles, and repeated torque reversals may require shorter inspection and lubrication intervals.

Mounting and Installation

Installation requires the correct driveshaft length, tube specification, universal-joint series, yokes, flanges, slip travel, phasing, and connection hardware. Mating surfaces should be cleaned and inspected before assembly.

The shaft must clear crossmembers, exhaust equipment, air tanks, hydraulic components, body structures, and other chassis equipment throughout suspension and powertrain movement.

Alignment, Driveline, and Mounting Geometry

The transmission output, driveshaft sections, center bearings, power divider, and axle input must be positioned to produce acceptable operating angles. Multi-piece drivelines require correct center-bearing height, lateral alignment, and support condition.

Driveline measurements should be taken after ride height, suspension condition, axle position, powertrain mounts, and frame alignment have been verified.

Vehicle, Transmission, Axle, and Steering Compatibility

Compatibility depends on:

  • Vehicle manufacturer and model
  • Model year and vehicle identification number
  • Truck or bus gross weight
  • Engine torque
  • Transmission manufacturer and model
  • Transmission output connection
  • Drive-axle manufacturer and model
  • Axle ratio and differential arrangement
  • Single- or tandem-drive layout
  • Wheelbase and frame dimensions
  • Suspension type and ride height
  • Driveshaft length and maximum rotational speed
  • Vehicle duty cycle and operating environment

Related Component and System Compatibility

The driveshaft must be matched with the correct universal joints, end yokes, flange yokes, slip components, center bearings, transmission outputs, transfer cases, power dividers, and axle-input connections.

Compact Series PLUS components should not be mixed with another Spicer or competitive driveshaft series unless the combination is specifically approved for the application.

Common Applications

  • Medium-duty commercial trucks
  • Heavy-duty commercial trucks
  • Linehaul tractors
  • Regional-haul trucks
  • Delivery trucks
  • Vocational trucks
  • Transit buses
  • Intercity buses
  • Motor coaches
  • School buses
  • Specialty commercial vehicles
  • Global truck and bus platforms

Advantages

  • Lightweight steel construction
  • Up to 10 percent lighter than selected competing driveshafts
  • Multiple sizes covering different torque requirements
  • Supports trucks and buses across a broad weight range
  • Improved sealing performance
  • Designed for extended product life
  • Reduced rotating driveline mass
  • Can contribute to vehicle efficiency improvements
  • Application-specific configuration flexibility
  • Supported by Dana’s commercial-vehicle driveline experience

Limitations or Considerations

  • The product name covers multiple models rather than one universal assembly
  • Exact North American availability may vary by vehicle and supplier
  • Must be engineered for torque, speed, length, and operating angle
  • Incorrect driveline angles can cause vibration and premature wear
  • Tube damage can make the assembly unsafe
  • Improper phasing can produce severe vibration
  • Relubricatable components require scheduled service
  • Sealed components still require inspection
  • Replacement parts must match the exact series
  • Driveshaft modifications require professional balancing

Driver and Operator Experience

A correctly selected and balanced Compact Series PLUS driveshaft should operate without noticeable vibration. Its reduced weight is primarily a vehicle-design and efficiency benefit rather than a feature the driver directly controls.

Drivers should report new vibration, clunking, shudder under load, scraping, or metallic impact sounds. These symptoms may indicate a joint, spline, balance, alignment, mounting, or clearance problem.

Steering Feel and Driver Feedback

The driveshaft does not directly control steering feel. Driveline vibration may travel through the frame, floor, seat, pedals, or steering column and can sometimes be mistaken for a tire, wheel, suspension, or steering-system problem.

Operating Speed, Angle, and Load Management

Drivers should avoid abusive clutch engagement, aggressive vehicle rocking, sudden forward-to-reverse shifts, and other actions that create damaging shock loads. Vehicle operation should remain within approved weight and powertrain limits.

Changes to tire size, axle ratio, transmission, road-speed programming, wheelbase, suspension, or ride height may require the driveshaft application to be reviewed again.

Control Setup and System Calibration

The Compact Series PLUS driveshaft does not require direct electronic calibration. Engine torque management, automated-transmission programming, traction control, stability systems, and axle-locking strategies can affect the forces applied to it.

Powertrain calibration must remain compatible with the approved driveshaft, transmission, axle, and vehicle ratings.

Inspection and Wear Points

  • Universal-joint bearing cups
  • Universal-joint cross
  • Joint and spline seals
  • End-yoke and flange connections
  • Joint-retention hardware
  • Slip splines
  • Dust caps
  • Driveshaft tube
  • Welded yoke connections
  • Balance weights
  • Center bearing and support where equipped
  • Clearance around chassis equipment

Lubrication Requirements

Lubrication requirements vary by series and joint configuration. Relubricatable universal joints and slip splines should receive Dana-approved lubricant at the specified interval and through the correct service procedure.

Maintenance-reduced or sealed components should not be modified with improvised grease fittings. Damaged seals, looseness, heat, or contamination require further inspection.

Component Service Life and Rebuildability

Universal joints, slip components, yokes, center bearings, and retaining hardware may be replaceable depending on the exact model and damage. A qualified driveline facility can inspect the tube, welds, splines, yokes, runout, phasing, and balance.

A bent, cracked, severely corroded, or improperly repaired driveshaft should not be returned to service without an approved professional evaluation.

Shaft, Joint, Bearing, Gear, and Linkage Service Life

Dana designed the Compact Series PLUS family to provide extended product life and increased durability. Actual service life depends on torque, speed, operating angles, lubrication, sealing, contamination, balance, vehicle loading, and driver operation.

The driveshaft contains no reduction gears or steering linkage. Transmission, differential, power-divider, and axle components should be inspected separately during driveline diagnosis.

Seal, Hose, Sensor, and Electronic Service Life

Improved universal-joint and spline sealing is an important Compact Series PLUS feature. Seal condition directly affects lubricant retention and protection from dirt, water, and road contamination.

The driveshaft normally contains no hydraulic hoses, electronic sensors, or dedicated control modules. Nearby wiring, air lines, and hydraulic hoses must remain secured away from the rotating assembly.

Maintenance and Ownership Notes

Inspect the driveshaft at the intervals established for the vehicle and exact driveshaft series. Additional inspection is appropriate after impact damage, driveline repair, suspension work, or the appearance of vibration or unusual noise.

  • Check universal joints for looseness, heat, corrosion, and damaged seals
  • Inspect the tube for dents, cracks, scoring, and missing balance weights
  • Check yokes, flanges, and retention hardware
  • Inspect slip splines for wear and adequate engagement
  • Lubricate serviceable components as required
  • Check center bearings on multi-piece drivelines
  • Verify ride height before measuring driveline angles
  • Investigate new vibration before continued operation
  • Keep driveshaft and component numbers in fleet records

Common Driveline and Steering Problems

  • Speed-related vibration: Imbalance, incorrect phasing, tube damage, worn joints, excessive runout, poor operating angles, or center-bearing misalignment may cause vibration.
  • Clunk during acceleration or deceleration: Worn universal joints, loose yokes, damaged splines, axle backlash, or transmission-output wear may create a clunk.
  • Universal-joint wear: Lubrication loss, contamination, seal damage, excessive angles, overload, or improper installation can shorten joint life.
  • Slip-spline binding: Corrosion, contamination, damaged splines, incorrect lubrication, or insufficient travel may prevent normal movement.
  • Tube damage: Road debris, equipment interference, improper lifting, or previous driveline failure can dent, bend, or score the tube.
  • Seal failure: Damaged or displaced seals can allow grease loss and contamination to enter the bearing or spline assembly.
  • Center-bearing failure: Misalignment, deteriorated rubber support, incorrect setup, or persistent vibration can damage the bearing.
  • Loose connection hardware: Incorrect fasteners, improper torque, contaminated surfaces, or joint movement can allow a connection to loosen.

Safety and Service Precautions

A loose or damaged driveshaft can separate while rotating and cause severe vehicle damage, injury, or loss of control. The vehicle should be removed from service when the driveshaft, universal joints, connections, or supports appear unsafe.

  • Secure and support the vehicle before working underneath it
  • Do not rely solely on air suspension or hydraulic lifting equipment
  • Allow hot driveline components to cool
  • Mark driveshaft orientation before removal when required
  • Use the specified hardware and tightening procedure
  • Do not strike or heat universal-joint components
  • Do not straighten or weld a driveshaft through an unapproved process
  • Keep personnel and equipment away from a rotating driveline
  • Professionally balance repaired or modified driveshafts

Identification Information

Identification may appear on a tube label, metal tag, yoke marking, universal-joint kit, vehicle build record, or parts catalog. Record:

  • Vehicle manufacturer
  • Vehicle identification number
  • Vehicle model and model year
  • Driveshaft assembly number
  • Complete Compact Series PLUS designation
  • Universal-joint series and part number
  • End-yoke or flange-yoke numbers
  • Tube outside diameter
  • Driveshaft length at the specified reference points
  • Slip-spline configuration
  • Transmission model and output connection
  • Axle model and input connection
  • Lubrication and seal configuration

Buying Considerations

  • Confirm that Compact Series PLUS is approved for the vehicle
  • Identify the complete series and assembly number
  • Verify engine and transmission torque
  • Determine maximum driveshaft rotational speed
  • Measure the shaft using the correct reference points
  • Match the transmission and axle connections
  • Confirm universal-joint size and retention style
  • Verify tube construction and critical-speed capability
  • Check required slip travel and spline engagement
  • Confirm lubrication and sealing requirements
  • Determine regional parts and service availability
  • Use a qualified commercial driveshaft supplier

Variants and Configurations

  • Multiple series sizes
  • Different torque-capacity ranges
  • Medium-duty truck configurations
  • Heavy-duty truck configurations
  • Bus and motor-coach configurations
  • One-piece driveshafts
  • Multi-piece driveline assemblies
  • Different tube diameters and wall thicknesses
  • Different end-yoke and flange connections
  • Application-specific slip assemblies
  • Different lubrication and sealing arrangements
  • Regional original-equipment configurations

Comparison to Similar Equipment

Compared with the Dana Spicer Life Series Commercial Driveshaft, the Compact Series PLUS places additional emphasis on lightweight steel construction, compact design, and global truck and bus applications.

Compared with the Dana Spicer SPL 140 Driveshaft, the Compact Series PLUS covers a broader family of application-specific torque ranges and vehicle classes.

Compared with the Dana Spicer SPL 250 High-Torque Driveshaft, Compact Series PLUS models emphasize lower component weight across medium- and heavy-duty global vehicle applications rather than one specific high-torque series.

Compared with the Dana Spicer SPL 350 Driveshaft, most Compact Series PLUS configurations serve a broader range of truck and bus weights rather than concentrating on the highest-torque heavy-truck applications.

Best Fit For

  • Vehicles originally equipped with Compact Series PLUS components
  • Medium-duty commercial trucks
  • Heavy-duty commercial trucks
  • Transit and intercity buses
  • Motor coaches
  • Global truck and bus platforms
  • Applications seeking reduced steel driveshaft weight
  • Vehicles requiring improved joint sealing
  • Operators with access to compatible regional parts support
  • Professionally engineered driveline replacements

Related Vehicle and Trailer Types

Related Truck and Trailer Models

Related Driveline and Steering System Types

Related Driveline and Steering Products

Related Equipment Systems

Related Guides

Regulatory and Compliance Notes

The driveshaft must remain securely attached, structurally sound, and free from conditions that could cause separation or interference with other vehicle systems. Inspection requirements vary by jurisdiction, vehicle type, fleet policy, and operating authority.

Installing a Compact Series PLUS driveshaft does not increase the vehicle’s certified weight or powertrain ratings. Modified drivelines should be engineered and documented according to the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements and applicable regulations.

Real World Operating Notes

The Compact Series PLUS family has been developed for a broad global market, so not every model or replacement component will be equally available in every region. Identification should begin with the original vehicle and driveshaft assembly numbers.

Driveline vibration may occur only within a narrow speed or load range. Recording road speed, engine speed, transmission gear, throttle position, and whether the vehicle is accelerating or coasting can help with diagnosis.

Any driveshaft that has been shortened, lengthened, retubed, or fitted with replacement yokes should be assembled and balanced by a qualified commercial driveline facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dana Spicer Compact Series PLUS?

It is a family of lightweight steel driveshafts designed for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses.

What vehicles use Compact Series PLUS driveshafts?

Dana developed the family for trucks and buses ranging from approximately 8 to 60 metric tonnes, depending on the selected model and application.

Is Compact Series PLUS one driveshaft size?

No. It is a product family containing multiple models that support different torque capacities, vehicle weights, and installation requirements.

How much lighter is the driveshaft?

Dana states that Compact Series PLUS driveshafts can weigh up to 10 percent less than selected competing steel driveshafts in their class. The actual difference depends on the compared configurations.

Is the Compact Series PLUS made from aluminum?

No. Dana describes it as a lightweight steel driveshaft family.

Does it require lubrication?

Lubrication requirements depend on the exact universal-joint and slip-spline configuration. The assembly number and Dana service information should be checked before establishing a maintenance schedule.

What causes a Compact Series PLUS driveshaft to vibrate?

Common causes include imbalance, tube damage, incorrect phasing, worn universal joints, poor operating angles, center-bearing misalignment, yoke runout, or spline wear.

Can it replace a Spicer Life Series driveshaft?

Only when Dana or a qualified driveline specialist confirms compatibility. Series size, torque, speed, length, joint angles, connections, and chassis clearances must all match the application.

How is the correct replacement identified?

Use the driveshaft assembly number, vehicle identification number, complete series designation, joint numbers, tube dimensions, end connections, transmission information, axle information, and installed measurements.

Does the lighter driveshaft increase payload capacity?

No. Reduced component weight may lower vehicle tare weight, but it does not change the vehicle’s certified axle, tire, brake, frame, or gross weight ratings.

Availability and Where to Find

Dana Spicer Compact Series PLUS driveshaft assemblies and replacement components may be available through Dana distributors, commercial-vehicle dealers, truck and bus manufacturers, heavy-duty parts suppliers, and qualified driveline repair facilities.

Availability varies by country, original vehicle manufacturer, driveshaft model, torque capacity, tube specification, end connections, and component number. Buyers should provide the vehicle identification number and original driveshaft information before ordering.

Product background is available through the Dana Compact Series Plus announcement. Current company, product, and distributor information is available through the Dana website and the Spicer Parts website.

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