Abstract: A torsional sleeve coupling provides a spring system for dampening torsional vibrations in a driveline coupling during low torque modes of operation. In a preferred form, the coupling is adapted for use with a driving and a driven shaft which are coaxially aligned. The coupling includes a lost motion connection for torsionally coupling the driven and driving shaft ends for joint rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling incorporates a sleeve which contains a C-spring having an annular metallic body positioned in coaxial registration with one of the shafts. The spring includes a pair of spaced, radially oriented ears. The sleeve and the shaft about which the spring is positioned each contain a slotted portion. The two slotted portions are in radial alignment with each other, and each is adapted to receive both of the ears of the spring.

Abstract: A transfer gear assembly connected to a transaxle in order to provide the transaxle with a power take-off. The transfer gear assembly includes a case with an access opening and a shaft connectable to the transaxle through a gear set by a clutch. The transfer gear assembly also includes an actuator for moving the clutch between its engaged and disengaged positions and a combined access opening cover and actuator shield fastened to the case.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system for driving the front and/or the rear wheels of a vehicle wherein the power is transmitted from the rear axle to the front axle by cross-axis gearing mounted on the rear input pinion shaft which meshes with the driven cross-axis gearing connected to a forwardly extending propeller shaft.