Differential assembly for a machine

A differential assembly for a machine includes a ring gear, first and second differential side gears and a plurality of pinions configured to mesh with the first and second side gears, and mounted on at least one pinion support pin. An inner differential housing is rotatably supported by an outer differential housing, and includes a torque transmitting hub configured to couple the ring gear with the first and second side gears via at least two pinions. The hub including a plurality of radial spokes and an outer rim portion having pinion support pin bores therein. A method of assembling a differential assembly for a machine includes coupling a spoked hub with a ring gear, and establishing a first torque transmission path between the ring gear and side gears of the differential, and establishing a second torque transmission path between a short portion of the differential housing comprising the hub and a long portion of the differential housing, the second torque transmission path including a joint coupling the short and long portions.