Front Wheel Drive Components to Achieve Low Silhouette

The number of buyers interested in four-wheel drive vehicles for recreation is increasing, and a vehicle offering four-wheel drive and maintaining present automobile characteristics is of special interest to such buyers. Utility capabilities could make this type of vehicle even more attractive. It appears that a larger market can be generated for passenger-utility type vehicles if the four-wheel drive is offered as an option, but this option poses numerous design problems. This paper presents some details of conventional four-wheel drive power trains, and describes power trains in which independent suspension and low silhouette are emphasized.