Driveline System - General Information

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Ford RV Cutaway, 2008 Ford Econoline, 2008 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2008 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The driveline system enables the power generated by the engine and transferred through the transmission to place the vehicle in motion. Rotational torque is received from the transmission to the rear axle by way of the driveshaft. A slip joint on the forward end of the driveshaft connects the driveshaft to the transmission output shaft. This slip joint allows the change in length variation of the driveshaft during the normal vehicle drive cycle. The U-joints at the end of the shafts allow the shafts to rotate smoothly in an allowable angle plane. The rotational torque is introduced into the axle drive pinion which drives the differential ring gear. The ring gear is bolted to the axle differential which divides the torque between the left and right axle shafts, while permitting the shafts to turn at different speeds when required, such as when cornering.