Patent ID: 7465246
Filing Date: 2008-12-16
Classification: B60B,B60K

Abstract:
1. A drive axle assembly, comprising: at least one axle arm portion extending from a differential housing to a shoulder structure that is integrally formed with an outboard end of said axle arm portion; a substantially horizontal drive shaft located within said at least one axle arm portion connected at an inboard end to a differential in said differential housing and having a first bevel gear on an outboard end; and a non-horizontal driven shaft mounted for rotation within said shoulder structure, said driven shaft having a second bevel gear meshed in driving engagement with said first bevel gear on said drive shaft; wherein said shoulder structure is provided with an upper selectively closable opening with a non-steerable removable cover having a planar central portion with a concentric rim transversally extending outwardly from said central portion about a perimeter of said cover, adjacent said meshed first and second bevel gears.