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The Spicer® tradition of quality and
innovation began in 1904 with the first universal
joint, patented by Cornell University engineering
student, Clarence Spicer. With Spicer’s
design and the business and financial support
of attorney and politician, Charles Dana, Spicer’s
u-joint manufacturing business continued to grow
into the global operation that is today known
as Dana Limited.
Over a century later, the Spicer name is
still synonymous with quality, technology, and
innovation. Today, the Spicer brand name represents
high quality, genuine axles & components,
driveshafts & components, and transmissions
& components.
During the spring of 1902, while designing a
motor car for a class project, Clarence Spicer,
then a sophomore at Cornell University, explored
ways to improve the transmission of power from
the engine to the wheels. At that time, motor
vehicles were powered by two sprockets connected
by a chain, similar to the workings of a bicycle.
This system was not only difficult to lubricate,
but loud and unreliable, as well. Finding a better
way to transfer power, Clarence placed reinforced
universal joints on either end of a tubular shaft.
Encasing the u-joints in bowl-shaped housings
retained their lubrication and protected them
from road debris. These never-before-seen improvements
to the cardan u-joint were engineered into Clarence’s
prototype which was later issued a U.S. patent
in May of 1903.
With his newly acquired patent and the growing
number of vehicle manufacturers demanding his
invention, Clarence moved to Plainfield, New Jersey
to establish his universal joint company. Auto
makers were increasingly switching from the former
sprockets and chains to the new propeller shaft
and u-joint design. New manufacturers began developing
their vehicles from the outset to be able to incorporate
the u-joint for power transmission. Clarence “unchained
the early automobile,” and the industry
was forever changed. On April 1, 1904, C.W. Spicer,
as the company was first known, was founded, and
by September 12, the first universal joints were
shipped.
In 1914, the inventiveness of Clarence Spicer
was partnered with the business savvy of Charles
Dana. Over the years, what was then called the
Spicer Manufacturing Company developed into present
day Dana Limited, with an extended product
offering. The Spicer name, which is still synonymous
with quality, technology, and innovation, can
be found on OE replacement parts and components
for driveshaft, axle, and transmission.
Just as in the early years of the Spicer organization,
the Spicer brand is still determined to “anticipate
the universal joint requirements of tomorrow and
therefore to constantly improve in every possible
way the design, material, and workmanship.”
Today, this philosophy has been expanded into
the axle, transmission, and rest of the driveshaft
lines. Clarence was committed to ensuring that
the company and products bearing his name met
the highest quality and performance standards.
For over a century, this integrity has been maintained
in the Spicer brand name, which still represents
OE quality u-joints, along with other driveshafts
and components, axles and components, and off-highway
transmissions and components.
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