Transfer Case: Description and Operation

The All Wheel Drive (AWD) system is available on 1992-95 Caravan and Voyager models equipped with a 3.3L/V6-0.01 engine and 1996 Grand Caravan and Grand Voyager models equipped with 3.8L/V6-231 engines.

The main benefits of the system are superior straight line acceleration and cornering on all surfaces and better traction and handling under adverse conditions.

The vehicle has mainly front wheel drive characteristics, but when the front wheels start to slip the AWD system takes over. Under normal straight line driving conditions on a level road surface, 90% of the torque is at the front wheels.

The viscous coupling allows more rear wheel torque, based on front wheel slippage.

The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) is attached to a modified automatic transaxle case where the right halfshaft extension housing would normally be located. The PTU provides rear wheel power through a hypoid ring gear and pinion seat.

The system consists of five main components: rear carrier, torque tube, overrunning clutch assembly, vacuum operated dog clutch and viscous coupling.