Abstract: A transfer case adapted for installation on a front-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely oriented engine and transaxle receives drive torque on a transferse axis and provides it to the rear differential on a longitudinal axis. The transfer case is driven through the front axle center differential cage. A drive chain delivers power through sprockets to a modulating or viscous clutch disposed behind and parallel to the front stub axles. The output of the clutch is provided to a bevel gear set which drives the rear prop shaft, rear differential and rear axles. The transfer case and rear prop shaft are preferably disposed along the longitudinal center line of the vehicle. Alternatively, the transfer case and the rear prop shaft may be disposed along an axis laterally offset but parallel to the longitudinal center line of the vehicle.

Abstract: A transfer case having a housing (10) which rotatably receives an input shaft (12). The input shaft is coaxial with an output shaft (14), a free end (14a) of which extends beyond the housing. A planetary sun gear differential (36) is contained within the housing, and the differential transmits torque both to the output shaft and to a sleeve (28) which coaxially surrounds a portion of the drive shaft that is within the housing. The sleeve, in turn, transmits torque to an intermediate shaft (42), which is spaced from and extends generally parallel to the sleeve, through a sprocket and chain drive (52, 54, 56), all portions of which are within the housing. The intermediate shaft terminates in front of and externally to the housing within a housing extension (48), which is removably secured to the housing by bolts (50). Torque from the intermediate shaft is transmitted to a forward output shaft (38) through a constant velocity universal joint (40), all portions of which are contained within the housing extension.