Abstract: A helical planetary gear assembly which is particularly adapted for use in a vehicle drive mechanism such as a four-wheel drive transfer case. The reaction member (ring gear) is rigidly secured to the housing; the input member (sun gear) is axially and radially located by a bearing; and the output member (planet carrier) is axially restrained but radially free to float. In direct drive the input and output are connected directly and the gears are unloaded, thus avoiding vibration and wear commonly experienced when running in reduction drive. The assembly requires only one mesh point when shifting to either the direct or reduction drive mode.

Abstract: A planetary gear assembly may be shifted manually between a neutral position and high and low range position for establishing direct drive and reduction ratio drive modes. The assembly is shiftable as an integral unit, and requires only one mesh point when shifting to either of the high or low range positions. The ring and planet gears are unloaded in the direct drive mode, thus avoiding vibration and wear commonly experienced when running locked up.

Abstract: Shift control apparatus for a multiple speed, sliding gear manual transmission is characterized by the provision of a main shift rail which is rotatable for crossover selection and axially slidable for engagement of the selected speed ratio. An auxiliary shift rail is axially slidable for engagement of an auxiliary gear, and a reverse idler gear is axially slidable for engagement of a reverse gear. A single lever is provided for camming the auxiliary shift rail in its engaging direction upon axial sliding movement of the main shift rail in a first direction, and for camming the reverse idler gear in its engaging direction upon axial sliding movement of the main shift rail in the opposite direction. The camming arrangement locks the reverse idler gear as the auxiliary shift rail slides, and locks the auxiliary shift rail as the reverse idler gear slides.

Abstract: A power transfer mechanism incorporated in a multiple path drive system comprising a source of input torque, a transfer case, and a pair of drive axles having equal axle ratios. Torque is transferred directly to the first drive axle and, when required, is transferred automatically to the second drive axle through a path including a freewheel device. Another path is provided in parallel with the freewheel device for torque transfer from the second drive axle to the first drive axle.

Abstract: A transmission including a compact die cast aluminum housing having a steel support sleeve secured thereto by crimping to the housing forward wall, a countershaft assembly including a cluster gear countershaft and a flexible countershaft extension, and a shift control linkage assembly providing rotary and axial shift rail movement resulting in a desirable shift pattern.