Split axle drive mechanisms.

摘要

A split axle drive mechanism for a part-time four-wheel drive vehicle comprises an automotive-type differential 32 which has an input 36 to the differential case 38 and a pair of outputs from the respective side gears. One output 56 is directly connected to its associated side gear 52 so that the associated side gear is always drive-connected to one selectively driven vehicle wheel 30. The other output includes a clutch 58 which is disengaged in the two-wheel drive mode (selected at the transfer case 14) so that the other selectively driven vehicle wheel does not back-drive the other side gear 50. This reduces wear and power consumption in the two-wheel drive mode.