Driveline System: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup, 2005 Ford F550 Super Duty, 2005 Ford F450 Super Duty, and 2005 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 2-wheel drive vehicles, power is transmitted through the transmission to the driveshaft and then to the rear axle.
On 4-wheel drive vehicles, power is transmitted through the transmission and the transfer case. The transfer case directs the power to the rear driveshaft and then to the rear axle. When engaged, it also transmits power through the front driveshaft to the front axle.

There are four types of driveshafts used:

One-piece rear driveshaft with two U-joints and a front slip yoke.
Two-piece rear driveshaft with three U-joints, a front coupling shaft, a center bearing and a rear slip yoke.
Three-piece rear driveshaft with four U-Joints, two center bearings and a rear slip yoke.
One-piece front driveshaft with two U-joints and a slip yoke.

The rear driveshaft is connected to the output shaft of the transmission or transfer case and to the rear axle. The front driveshaft is connected to the transfer case and to the front axle. Universal joints are used at both ends of the driveshaft to allow for angular motions. Slip yokes 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.

For additional information on the front axle assembly, refer to FRONT DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL .

For additional information on the driveshaft, refer to DRIVESHAFT .

For additional information on the rear axle, refer to REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - DANA 80 , REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - DANA S110 AND S130 or REAR DRIVE AXLE/DIFFERENTIAL - FORD 10.50-INCH RING GEAR .