Dana Spicer SPL55-1480XC Blue-Coated Axle Shaft U-Joint
The Dana Spicer SPL55-1480XC Universal Joint is a premium SPL55 / 1480-series axle shaft U-joint engineered for demanding four-wheel-drive front axle applications. Designed for installation at the front axle wheel end, this genuine Spicer U-joint combines high-strength construction with Dana’s corrosion-resistant blue performance coating for enhanced durability in environments exposed to moisture, road salt, mud, and other contaminants.
The SPL55-1480XC uses an ISR (Inside Snap Ring) design with 1.375-inch bearing caps and a 3.000-inch overall span between the internal snap-ring grooves. The precision-manufactured steel cross and bearing assemblies are designed to maintain accurate driveline geometry while handling the high articulation and torque loads encountered at driven front wheels.
Unlike serviceable U-joints that require periodic lubrication, the SPL55-1480XC is non-greaseable and factory pre-lubricated. Its sealed design eliminates the need for a grease fitting while helping retain lubricant and protect the needle bearings from contamination. Dana identifies the joint as a non-greaseable, blue-coated SPL55/1480 ISR wheel-joint assembly.
The blue coating is more than a visual identifier. Spicer developed its blue-coated performance U-joints to provide improved resistance to corrosion compared with conventional uncoated joints, making them particularly useful in harsh operating conditions. Dana lists the SPL55-1480XC as the blue-coated performance equivalent of the SPL55-3X.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Dana / Spicer
- Part Number: SPL55-1480XC
- Product Type: Axle Shaft Universal Joint
- Series: SPL55 / Spicer 1480 WJ
- Application: Front axle at wheels
- Drive Type: 4WD
- U-Joint Style: ISR – Inside Snap Ring
- Greaseable: No
- Pre-Greased: Yes
- Bearing Cap Diameter: 1.375 in. / 34.925 mm
- Overall Length: 3.000 in. / 76.20 mm
- Distance Between Snap-Ring Grooves: 3.000 in.
- Bearing Cap Type: Round with ISR groove
- Snap Ring Type: Internal
- Snap Rings Included: Yes
- Material: Steel
- Finish: Spicer blue performance coating
- Grease Fitting: Not required
- Gross Weight: Approximately 2.6 lb
- Country of Origin: USA
- UPC: 023913633295
- VMRS Code: 024-002-046
- Related / Standard Equivalent: SPL55-3X – standard-finish SPL55/1480 wheel-joint version
Built for Front Axle Wheel-End Service
Unlike conventional driveshaft U-joints positioned between a transmission, driveshaft, and differential, the SPL55-1480XC is specifically an axle-shaft U-joint. It operates at the steering knuckle of compatible driven front axles, allowing torque to be transmitted from the inner axle shaft to the wheel-side axle shaft while permitting the wheel to steer and the suspension to articulate.
Its combination of a cold-formed steel journal cross, precision bearing surfaces, sealed lubrication, internal snap-ring retention, and corrosion-resistant coating makes the SPL55-1480XC well suited for severe-duty 4WD applications where strength and long service life are critical. Dana’s genuine Spicer SPL universal joints are engineered to provide the dimensional accuracy and bearing capacity required for dependable drivetrain performance.
The Dana Spicer SPL55-1480XC is an excellent OE-quality replacement for compatible SPL55 / 1480-series front axle wheel-joint applications, providing factory-style fit with the added corrosion protection of Spicer’s blue-coated performance design.
