Transmission and Drivetrain: Description and Operation

The driveline transfers engine torque to the drive wheels. On 2-wheel drive vehicles, power is transmitted through the transmission to the driveshaft and then to the rear axle assembly.

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

A two-piece driveshaft is used in some longer wheelbase light truck models. As compared with a one-piece installation, the two-piece design includes a front, or "coupling" shaft, a rubber-insulated frame-mounted driveshaft center bearing bracket, a splined slip joint and an intermediate universal joint at the front of the driveshaft.

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.