INTRODUCTION

There are essentially four types of final drive and differential combinations used in transaxles:
The first type uses helical gears and an intermediate/idler gear or shaft to transfer power from the transmission planetary gear assembly to the differential case The second type uses a planetary gearset mounted to the output of the transmission gearset for the final drive reduction gears The third type uses a planetary gear final drive that is driven by a chain and sprockets from the transmission section Some FWD vehicles use an engine mounted lengthwise in the vehicle so the crankshaft and the transaxle shafts run longitudinal (fore and aft) instead of transverse or lateral (side to side) relative to the vehicle.

INTRODUCTION

FIGURE 10-2 The 41TE transaxle uses a set of helical final drive gears (a) to transfer power from the transfer shaft to the differential and drive shafts. A set of helical transfer gears (b) is used to transfer power from the transmission gears to the transfer shaft. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

INTRODUCTION

FIGURE 10-3 An exploded view from a parts catalog of a Ford CD4E shows a chain (3201) to transfer power from the transmission gearset to the final drive and differential. (Courtesy of Aceomatic Recon)

INTRODUCTION

FIGURE 10-4 The Chrysler 42LE transaxle uses hypoid final drive gears. Note the transfer chain to connect the transmission gearset to the final drive pinion gear. (Courtesy of Chrysler Corporation)

INTRODUCTION

FIGURE 10-5 The overall gear ratio in a transaxle is a product of multiplying the transmission gear ratio by the final drive ratio. This should be multiplied by any transfer gear/chain ratio.

WERE THE THM 325, 325-4L, AND 425 MODELS TRANSMISSIONS OR TRANSAXLES?

FIGURE 10-6 A THM 3254L transmission is mounted alongside of the engine. The front axle assembly is attached directly to the output shaft (lower left) to drive the front wheels. (Reprinted with permission of General Motors)