Final Drive and Differential Assemblies

Besides adding another gear reduction, the final drive in a Rear Wheel Drive vehicle also:

• Allows the wheels to spin at different speeds

• Transfers power to the wheels equally

• Transfers power 90 degrees

• Locks up the wheels during off-roading

The differential pinion and sides gears are also commonly known as (a)   gears

The drawback, from an industry standpoint, of an open differential is:

• Power is transferred to the wheel with no traction

• Power is transferred to the wheel with traction

• You can only do a one wheel burnout

• Generally a very weak differential

Clutch (or Plate) type Limited Slip Differentials may require this to function properly:

• 12 Volt power source

• More frequent adjustments

• Normal driving conditions

• Friction Modifier

Which is NOT a benefit of Hypoid Gears

• Driveshaft tunnel height reduction

• Lower relative center mass

• No axially forces generated

• Greater strength