DATE:  23-03-09

KAM Differentials Ltd is a Godalming based company who specialises in high performance axle parts for Off road and Motor sport applications.  They have been expanding rapidly since their first patent application on a new differential locker system placed 4 years ago.  They have been supplying the new system not only to off road and race applications but a growing range of military end users.

Kevin Mason Managing director stated:  "Gaining ISO 9001 and performing to this high level of quality performance will now allow us to supply in to top level contracts and open up new business with OEM companies, (Original Equipment Manufactures), such as Land Rover and the British MoD".

KAM produce a range of replacement parts that increases the strength of all the internal axle components in Land Rovers and Toyotas.  At the same time the system increases the traction to the wheels giving greater mobility off road.  This added reliability and performance is already fitted to over 5200 Spanish MoD vehicles.

The KAM electrically operated differential locker system is also a standard feature on military versions of IVECO’s new Massif 4x4 utility vehicle. The system was previously supplied for on-line fit for the Santana PS10 – from which the Massif is derived, following IVECO’s acquisition of the Spanish vehicle builder. The KAM system is available also for civilian variants as a manufacturer line-fit option.

KAM launched its electrically operated differential locker system specifically for the Land Rover ‘Wolf’ axle at DVD last year. Following successful trials, the company now offers the system as part of a retrofit package for existing in-service vehicles including WMIK, as well as an improved mobility upgrade option for new units. Elsewhere at the show, KAM uprated driveline components are featured by other companies, such as Creation UK Limited.

To match demand and rapidly escalating supply commitments, KAM Differentials has invested significantly at its Godalming, Surrey facilities. In addition to strengthened CAD / CAM capability, the company has taken delivery of some of the latest machine tools and component manufacturing equipment. It has also created its own specially designed all-terrain test track, to support ongoing research and development.

Founder and Managing Director, Kevin Mason says, “On-going theatre operations have highlighted the critical importance of dependable off-road and all-terrain performance, particularly in soft and sandy conditions. We have a unique experience in the development and manufacture of driveline components for use in many off-road applications, competition and motorsport. This includes events such as the Dakar Rally – where performance is tested to extremes”.

At the heart of the KAM system is a precision locking device, controlled by a heavy-duty solenoid, located inside the diff pan. The solenoid is activated from a solid wired and illuminated rocker switch on the dashboard. A short power burst preloads a spring, which then forces a sliding dog along the half shaft until it locks onto the carrier. The lock-up time is typically 0.4 seconds. A low power draw then holds the solenoid in the locked state until the system is switched off.

Importantly, the system uses a special diff pan which encloses all the key components inside the axle housing. The system is designed with a special adaptor ring which can be attached to the existing axle casing. The KAM diff-lock system includes a heavy-duty 4-pinion differential carrier, which has been tested to be 40% stronger than the standard component. The company has a world patent on the design.

KAM diff-lock system components are available in a range of ratios, depending on application – or low-end or top speed requirement. Typically, a KAM differential locking kit is supplied complete with a heavy-duty carrier and carrier bearings &ndash