PROPELLER SHAFT ASSEMBLIES

 

Figure 13-15.-Single-speed, single-gear, power takeoff. of   mesh   with   the   countershaft   gear.   The   spring- loaded ball holds the shifter shaft in position. On some vehicles you will find power take-off units  with  gear  arrangements   that   will   give   two speeds  forward  and  one  in  reverse.  Several  forward speeds  and  a  reverse  gear  arrangement  are  usually provided in power take-off units that operate winches and hoists. Their operation is about the same as that in the single-speed units. PROPELLER SHAFT ASSEMBLIES The  propeller  shaft  assembly  consists  of  a propeller shaft, a slip joint, and one or more universal joints.  This  assembly  provides  a  flexible  connection through    which    power    is    transmitted    from    the transmission to the live axle. The propeller shaft may be solid or tubular. A solid shaft is stronger than a hollow or tubular shaft of the same diameter, but a  hollow  shaft  is  stronger than a solid shaft of the same weight. Solid shafts are used  inside  a  shaft  housing  that  encloses  the  entire propeller shaft assembly. These are called torque tube drives. A slip joint is put at one end of the propeller shaft  to  take  care  of  end  play.  The  driving  axle, attached to the springs, is free to move up and down, while the  transmission  is  attached  to  the  frame  and cannot move. Any