Why do some 4WD vehicles have the front differential off center on the axle?

[KingNothing]

 

[Thegonagle]

Because that's where it fits. If it was centered there might not be room for the engine.

 

[Heisenberg]

Originally posted by: Garfang
Because that's where it fits. If it was centered there might not be room for the engine.

Pretty much. It doesn't make a whole lotta difference if it's not centered.

 

[db]

You're assuming it should be in the middle.

 

[KingNothing]

The rear differential is always in the middle, from what I've seen. The front diff is sometimes in the middle, and sometimes not. I just wondered if there was a reason.

 

[Sluggo]

Originally posted by: KingNothing
The rear differential is always in the middle, from what I've seen. The front diff is sometimes in the middle, and sometimes not. I just wondered if there was a reason.

Quite a few Jeeps have an offset differential in back.

The front being offset, also helps quite a bit with transfer case design. Having a driveshaft go out the front, out the back and one coming in, all in the middle of the transfer case presents some design challenges.

 

[Skawttey]

I think the main reason it is offset is because that is where the transfer case puts the driveshaft.

 

[LAUST]

Originally posted by: Skawttey
I think the main reason it is offset is because that is where the transfer case puts the driveshaft.

Bingo Mandingo

On the bottom picture you see the chain that drives the front driveshaft

See how it's to the side, from there stright forward is the diff for the front

 

[TNTrulez]

Originally posted by: Heisenberg

Originally posted by: Garfang
Because that's where it fits. If it was centered there might not be room for the engine.

Pretty much. It doesn't make a whole lotta difference if it's not centered.

yep