Drive/Propeller Shafts, Bearings and Joints: Description and Operation
Driveline System
The driveline system consists of the:
- driveshaft tube, slip yoke, U-joints and flange.
- rear axle assembly with flange, pinion, ring gear, differential and axle shafts.
The source of the drivetrain power is generated by the engine and delivered to the transmission. The driveline transfers the engine torque through the driveshaft to the axle. The driveshaft is connected to the output shaft of the transmission and to the axle. 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 axle shafts. These shafts rotate the drive wheels.