Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for supporting an auxiliary transmission unit between the drive shaft and the differential pinion shaft via the rear universal joint, including a bracket assembly mounted to the casing of the transmission unit and to a preloading resilient device mounted to each of the drive axle housings; such pretensioning device including a resilient material sleeve having one portion immovably fixed to the bracket assembly and another portion immovably supported by the drive axle housings, the bracket assembly being tightened to the resilient sleeve in a position whereat the drive shaft is raised with respect to the differential pinion shaft and to the drive axle housings whereby as the same is lowered with respect thereto a torsional bias is induced in the resilient member which is transmitted to the bracket assembly to provide an upward, lifting force to the auxliary transmission unit.