Rear Driveline Module: Operation

The primary benefits of All Wheel Drive are:

• Superior straight line acceleration, and cornering on all surfaces
• Better traction and handling under adverse conditions, resulting in improved hill climbing ability and safer driving.

The heart of the system is an inter-axle viscous coupling. The vehicle retains predominantly front-wheel drive characteristics, but the All Wheel Drive capability takes effect when the front wheels start to slip. Under normal level road, straight line driving, 100% of the torque is allocated to the front wheels. The viscous coupling controls and distributes torque/power to the rear wheels. The viscous coupling transmits torque to the rear wheels in proportion of the amount of the slippage at the front wheels. This variable torque distribution is automatic with no driver inputs required. The coupling is similar to a multiplate clutch. It consists of a series of closely spaced discs, which are alternately connected to the front and rear drive units. The unit is totally sealed and partially filled with silicone fluid. There is no adjustment, maintenance or fluid checks required during the life of the unit.

The overrunning clutch allows the rear wheels to overrun the front wheels during a rapid front wheel lock braking maneuver. The overrunning action prevents any feed-back of front wheel braking torque to the rear wheels. It also allows the braking system to control the braking behavior as a two wheel drive (2WD) vehicle.

The overrunning clutch housing has a separate oil sump and is filled independently from the differential. The fill plug is located on the side of the overrunning clutch case. When filling the overrunning clutch with lubricant use Mopar(R) ATF+4.

The differential assembly contains a conventional open differential with hypoid ring gear and pinion gear set. The hypoid gears are lubricated by SAE 75W-90 Mopar(R) Gear and Axle Lubricant.