Driveline System

Driveline System
The source of the drivetrain's power is generated by the engine and delivered to the transmission. The driveline transfers the engine torque through the driveshaft to the axle.

^ On rear wheel drive (RWD) vehicles, power is transmitted through the transmission to the driveshaft and then to the rear axle.

^ On all wheel drive (AWD) and four wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, power is transmitted through the transmission and continuously proportioned to the front and rear axles through the transfer case.

The rear driveshaft is connected to the output shaft of the transmission and to the rear axle. The front driveshaft is connected to the transfer case and to the front axle. Universal joints and CV joints are used at the ends of the driveshaft to allow for angular motions. Slip-yokes or slip between center mechanisms are used to allow for any changes to the length of the driveshaft. The engine torque enters the axle through the drive pinion, which rotates the ring gear. The ring gear is mounted to the differential case, which contains the gears that transmit power to the rear axle shafts or front halfshafts. These shafts rotate the drive wheels.

Vehicles have these types of driveshafts:
^ One-piece rear driveshaft with 2 U-joints and a front slip-yoke or slip between mechanism.
^ One-piece front driveshaft with a front U-joint and a rear CV joint.

The engine angle is built into the engine mounts. If the engine angle is out of specification, the engine mounts must be inspected for damage.

Vehicle Certification (VC) Label Example

Vehicle Certification (VC) Label Example:

The vehicle certification (VC) label is located in the driver door jamb. The first 2 digits of the axle code indicate the rear axle and the third digit refers to the front axle, if so equipped. For additional information on the VC label, refer to Vehicle/Application and ID.