Front Drive Axle Description

For 1994 and 1995 Models Only

The front axle on an all-wheel drive (AWD) model uses a conventional ring and pinion gear set to transmit the driving force from the engine to the wheels. The axle is designed to remain in constant four-wheels drive operation and has no disconnect feature.

For All Models

The front driving axle on four-wheel drive (4WD) models uses a central disconnect type front axle/transfer case system that allows shifting in and out of 4WD when the vehicle is moving under most driving conditions.

The differential allows the wheels to turn at different rates of speed while the front axle continues to transmit the driving force. This prevents tire scuffing and premature wear on internal axle parts.

The differential case is supported in the axle housing by two tapered roller bearings. The differential and ring gear are located in relationship to the pinion using threaded adjusters. The ring gear is bolted to the differential case with left-hand thread bolts.

The pinion gear is supported by two tapered roller bearings. The pinion depth is set by a shim pack located between the gear end of the pinion and the roller bearing that is pressed onto the pinion. The pinion bearing preload is set by crushing a collapsible spacer between the pinion bearings in the axle housing.

The axle identification code is stamped on the top of the carrier case along the edge of the machined face of the left half.

The drive axles are completely flexible assemblies, consisting of an inner and outer constant velocity (CV) joints connected by an axle shaft. The inner CV joint is a "tripot" desing that is completely flexible and also can move in and out. The outer CV joint is a "Rzeppa" design that is flexible but cannot move in and out.