KAM adds strength, upgrades and a refurb package for Land Rovers

Defence Vehicle Dynamics: Millbrook 25-26 June 2008 – Stand OR6

Wednesday, 25th June 2008 --[ASDWire]-- KAM Differentials, the enhanced mobility, traction and off-road driveline performance products specialist, has announced an all-new world patented axle tube strengthening design for specified models of current generation Land Rovers, including military variants. The new package, which increases the inherent strength of the axle tube structure by over 60% - and provides both longitudinal and radial strengthening, will be available as a complete retrofit kit for aftermarket installation, post-production or in-service conversion.

The upgrade can be installed without removing the axle from the vehicle – and without heat or welding. It will be offered with staged ‘duty and performance’ options available to equate to required strength, vehicle gross weight and anticipated operational conditions. The system, which is modestly priced compared with current alternatives, will complement KAM’s already successful high-strength driveshaft upgrades and other driveline performance components – and its established range of electrically operated differential locker systems.

KAM Managing Director, Kevin Mason says, “Our range of mobility enhancements and extreme performance driveline components has been developed through our long experience of the world markets and the off-road competition environment – and for events such as the Dakar Rally. Reliability is the watchword in these conditions… our components must not fail… and we believe that there is considerable synergy between what we have to do for international off-road competition and the theatre operational environments which in-service normal-duty vehicles are expected to handle in places like Afghanistan and Iraq”.

At the heart of the new KAM axle strengthening system is a specially treated tube, which is inserted, after a laid-down preparatory stage - within the existing axle casing – and then uniquely bonded to the inner surface. This strengthens the axle tube longitudinally, radially and equally along the whole length – without creating stress or point loadings where external stiffening flanges have been attached. The procedure also avoids the potential risk of heat distortion, associated with external welding onto the existing tube. Effectively, the KAM strengthening design increases the material thickness and strength of the axle tube, allowing it to tolerate much higher gross weights, shock loadings and impacts.

To partner the strengthening system – and for stand-alone final drive performance improvements, KAM offers a range of multi-splined driveshafts and associated components – which are significantly stronger than the standard equivalent production product. Importantly, the cost premium on KAM components is modest, compared with other off-the-shelf options. Customer options on all or part of the packages will be offered also through KAM, as an inclusive upgrade and refurbishment service.

KAM has trialed the system on one of its own Land Rover engineering vehicles – which is delivering well over 300 brake horse power and 330 Nm of torque from a significantly up-rated 3.9 litre V8 engine – far in excess of normal duty operational power and torque requirements.

KAM is already supplying its electrically operated differential locker systems and associated componentry to OEM manufacturers for on line fit. Its upgrade packages and performance components are also in use with military and civilian users in a number of countries. The company has an established network of distributors and agents in more than 35 countries worldwide.

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