Split axle drive mechanism

摘要

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