<p>The parallel-axis differential gear assembly comprises a housing rotatable about a pair of drive shafts sharing a common axis of rotation. There are a pair of first and second side gears positioned in the housing for receiving ends of the respective drive shafts for rotation about the common axis. A pair of first and second planet gears are positioned in the housing for rotation about respective axes that extend parallel to the common axis. Each of the planet gears includes a first meshing portion in engagement with one of the side gears and second and third meshing portions in engagement with respective meshing portions of its paired planet gear.</p>
