Abstract: An improved clutch drum and input shaft assembly or intermediate shaft for the transfer of torsional force in a vehicle transmission having a fillet or concave groove structure and a hardened steel shaft. The improved clutch drum and input shaft has additional material in the spline portion of the shaft as well as improved fillet and transition surfaces between the spline and the first bearing element as compared to existing transmission shafts. The strength and durability of the improved transmission shaft is also modified with materials and hardening beyond the existing transmission shaft steel and hardening grades. Additional welds to attach a clutch drum to the shaft are employed instead of a single laser electron beam weld.

Abstract: An improved clutch drum and input shaft assembly or intermediate shaft for the transfer of torsional force in a vehicle transmission having a fillet or concave groove structure and a hardened steel shaft. The improved clutch drum and input shaft has additional material in the spline portion of the shaft as well as improved fillet and transition surfaces between the spline and the first bearing element as compared to existing transmission shafts. The strength and durability of the improved transmission shaft is also modified with materials and hardening beyond the existing transmission shaft steel and hardening grades. Additional welds to attach a clutch drum to the shaft are employed instead of a single laser electron beam weld.