Axle carrier trunnion with stepped bore

An axle assembly comprising:

• an axle carder having a pair of axially spaced trunnions;
• first and second generally cylindrical axle tubes each inserted into one of said trunnions;
• wherein each of said trunnions includes a radially stepped bore formed therein, an inboard end, and an outboard end, said radially stepped bore extending between said inboard end and said outboard end;
• wherein each of said radially stepped bores includes a first axially extending, generally cylindrical portion having a diameter, said first portions extending from said inboard end of said trunnion toward said outboard end and wherein the corresponding one of said axle tubes has an outside diameter which is greater than said diameter of said first portion of said radially stepped bore so that said corresponding one of said axle tubes engages said trunnion in an interference fit throughout said first portion of said radially stepped bore;
• wherein each of said radially stepped bores further includes a second axially extending, generally cylindrical portion having a diameter which is greater than said outside diameter of said corresponding one of said axle tubes such that an annular clearance is formed between said corresponding one of said axle tubes and said second portion of said trunnion, said second portion being positioned outboard of said first portion;
• wherein each of said trunnions further includes at least one radially extending hole formed therethrough and intersecting the corresponding one of said second portions of said radially stepped bores.