Differential gears have one input and two outputs and are used to distribute the driving torque between two wheels or axles running at different speeds. Without a differential, the driven wheels would be locked together, forced to spin at the same speed. This would make turning difficult because each wheel travels a different distance through the corner, and the inside wheels travel a shorter distance than the outside wheels. Differentials use bevel or planetary gears with a fixed torque distribution between the outputs (e.g. 50/50 for axle and 40/60 for centre differentials)
The Direct Torque Flow (DTF) joint offers a direct connection to the gearbox or the differential without a flange with torque transmitted from the CVJ inner race to the output shaft. By eliminating components the system weight is reduced, the bending frequency is increased and the outer diameter of the joint is smaller. The imbalance is improved and the assembly time to the vehicle is reduced. This configuration can be applied to all joint types.
The DO (Double Offset) is an inboard ball plunging joint similar to the VL joint. It is available in two versions with 50mm plunge for a maximum articulation of 26 degrees or 30 degrees. The DO joint is also suitable for high working angles on account of the low axial vibration.
This is the amount of torque which the clutch system still transmits when disengaged; it is desirable to minimise this in order to reduce losses, and provide optimum fuel economy.
A vehicle's driveline consists of the parts of the drivetrain excluding the engine and transmission. It is the portion of a vehicle, after the transmission, that changes depending on whether a vehicle is front wheel drive, four wheel drive, or rear wheel drive. See also Drivetrain and Powertrain.
(Source: Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page)
Passive or actively controlled couplings are used in vehicle drivelines to control the torque distribution between the axles or the wheels
See Sideshaft and Propshaft
The group of components that deliver the power from the engine to the wheels. This includes the transmission, driveshafts, differentials and the final drive. The powertrain also includes the engine.