Abstract: A transversely mounted vehicle powertrain includes a transmission differential encased in a housing, a half shaft bearing support, and a link shaft extending between the transmission differential housing and the half shaft bearing support. An inventive tubular member encircles the link shaft to increase the lateral ridigity of the powertrain. A bracket is attached to one end of the tubular member and is mounted to the transmission differential housing. The opposite end of the tubular member is secured to the half shaft bearing support. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tubular member, the bracket, and the half shaft bearing support are cast as a single, integral metal piece.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine for a vehicle includes a crankshaft, a piston movable through a cycle, a piston rod connecting the piston and the crankshaft, an oil pan spaced from the crankshaft, and an oil source providing pressurized oil. An inventive windage tray is positioned between the crankshaft and the oil pan. The windage tray includes a passage having an inlet port receiving the pressurized oil and a first outlet port directing a first stream of the pressurized oil at the piston. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the passage further includes a second outlet port directing a second stream of pressurized oil at the piston. The first outlet port is positioned to direct the first stream of pressurized oil upon the piston unobstructed by the piston rod during a first portion of the piston cycle. The second outlet port is positioned to direct the second stream of pressurized oil upon the piston unobstructed by the piston rod during the remaining portion of the piston cycle.