Methods and apparatuses that utilize a serial bus, such as a universal serial bus, for communications between a communications network, a computing device, and an auxiliary device are disclosed. A method for assembling the drive axle assembly comprises the steps of securing the front cover to a front mounting surface of the support beam member, fastening the differential assembly module to the central plate section of the support beam member, and fastening the rear cover to the rear mounting surface of the support beam member. The bracketed flange mounting may couple to an engine crank case or oil pump inlet in the same way as prior assemblies without a bracketed flange mounting, thus no retooling of any other part of the engine is required.