An axle for a vehicle includes an elongated shaft having a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion being disposed therebetween. The elongated shaft includes a predetermined diameter extending over a portion thereof. The first end of the elongated shaft being designed for mounting a first wheel thereon. The second end of the elongated shaft being designed for mounting a second wheel thereon. The intermediate portion includes a flange extending a predetermined distance along the length of the axle, the flange being designed for mounting and positioning a drive gear assembly and a brake drum assembly relative to each other with the flange being disposed therebetween. The flange is provided as an enlarged diameter section having a diameter greater than the predetermined diameter extending over a portion thereof and is displaced to one side relative to a center section of the elongated shaft.