Figure 13-16.—Slip joint and common type of universal Joint.Figure 13-17.—Gears used in final drives.upward or downward movement of the axle, as thesprings flex, shortens or lengthens the distancebetween the axle assembly and the transmission. Thischanging distance is compensated for by a slip jointplaced at one end of the propeller shaft.The usual type of slip joint consists of a splined stubshaft, welded to the propeller shaft, that fits into asplined sleeve in the universal joint. A slip joint anduniversal joint are shown in figure 13-16.Universal joints are double-hinged with the pins ofthe hinges set at right angles. They are made in manydifferent designs, but they all work on the sameprinciple. (See chapter 11.)FINAL DRIVESA final drive is that part of the power train thattransmits the power delivered through the propellershaft to the drive wheels or sprockets. Because it isencased in the rear axle housing, the final drive isusually referred to as a part of the rear axle assembly.It consists of two gears called the ring gear and pinion.These may13-14
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