Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle including a first gear, and a second gear joined to a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The second gear engages the first gear. A bearing is disposed over the shaft distal the second gear. A housing is disposed about at least a portion of the shaft. The housing includes a first lubricant pathway spaced apart from a second lubricant pathway, wherein the first lubricant pathway routes lubricant towards the bearing and the second lubricant pathway routes lubricant away from the bearing. The first and second lubricant pathways are not in a position coplanar with a plane of rotation of the first gear.

Abstract: A shifter assembly may include a shift lever, an actuation member, a coupling, a first cable and a second cable. The shift lever may be connected to a housing for pivotable motion relative to the housing. The actuation member may be connected to the shift lever and may be movable relative thereto between a first position and a second position. The coupling may be connected to the shift lever and may include first and second members slidably engaging each other. The first cable may have a first end connected to the second member and a second end that can be coupled to a reverse lockout mechanism. The second cable may be connected to the actuation member and the second member of the coupling such that movement of the actuation member relative to the shift lever causes corresponding motion of the second member relative to the shift lever.

Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle including a first gear, and a second gear joined to a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The second gear engages the first gear. A bearing is disposed over the shaft distal the second gear. A housing is disposed about at least a portion of the shaft. The housing includes a first lubricant pathway spaced apart from a second lubricant pathway, wherein the first lubricant pathway routes lubricant towards the bearing and the second lubricant pathway routes lubricant away from the bearing. The first and second lubricant pathways are not in a position coplanar with a plane of rotation of the first gear.

Abstract: A shifter assembly may include a shift lever, an actuation member, a coupling, a first cable and a second cable. The shift lever may be connected to a housing for pivotable motion relative to the housing. The actuation member may be connected to the shift lever and may be movable relative thereto between a first position and a second position. The coupling may be connected to the shift lever and may include first and second members slidably engaging each other. The first cable may have a first end connected to the second member and a second end that can be coupled to a reverse lockout mechanism. The second cable may be connected to the actuation member and the second member of the coupling such that movement of the actuation member relative to the shift lever causes corresponding motion of the second member relative to the shift lever.

Abstract: An active torque biasing differential includes a housing and an outer annulus disposed within the housing. An inner annulus is contained within the outer annulus. The inner annulus includes a plurality of slots. A plurality of vanes are disposed in the slots in the inner annulus. The vanes slidably contact the outer annulus. The vanes include a plurality of orifices formed therein. An electromagnetic coil is placed to apply a magnetic field to a chamber bounded by the outer annulus and inner annulus.

Abstract: Differential assembly and a method of operating the same. The assembly includes a differential case and a pinion housing including a first pinion gear and a second pinion gear positioned substantially therein. A first side gear and a second side gear are operably coupled to the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear. A sliding collar selectively engages at least one of the differential case, the pinion housing, and the first and second side gears. The sliding collar provides at least three engagement modes. The method includes providing a differential case and a pinion housing including a first pinion gear and a second pinion gear positioned substantially therein. A first side gear and a second side gear are provided. At least one of the differential case, the pinion housing, and the first and second side gears are selectively engaged in one of at least three engagement modes.

Abstract: A differential assembly for a vehicle having a housing and a differential mechanism rotatably mounted in the housing. The differential mechanism includes a support shaft transversely disposed therein for supporting a pair of rotating cross gears. The rotation of the differential mechanism defines a differential spin axis and a support shaft spin plane. A pinion gear is also provided for rotatably driving the differential mechanism. The pinion gear extends from the housing and defines a pinion spin axis. The pinion spin axis is parallel to and offset from the support shaft spin plane. A pair of opposing bearings are then provided for rotatably supporting the differential mechanism. The pair of bearings is disposed in the housing, wherein one of the pair of bearings is substantially aligned with the pinion spin axis. This arrangement minimizes the size of the front differential and further improves the ground clearance and suspension travel of the vehicle.