Beam axle with integral sensor mount and method of providing same

The invention relates to a vehicle axle assembly (22) having a differential assembly (26) and left and right axle assemblies (28,30). An axle assembly (28,30) includes a tubular axle housing (52) and an axle shaft (70). The housing (52) is provided with a flat (56) having a hole (58) for mounting a sensor (76), the flat (56) acting as datum surface for mounting the sensor (76). The axle shaft (70) is provided with an integral target portion (80) for the sensor, which is preferably arranged between a bearing (74) and a differential end of the axle shaft (70).