Let’s delve into three terms that people tend to use interchangeably but incorrectly. You may have heard about powertrains, drivetrains, and drivelines, especially in off-roading circles. They are all critical components without which your vehicle will not be able to move an inch (unless by an external force, of course). Let’s look at what each one encompasses so you have a more comprehensive understanding of each term, as well as the ability to impress others when you explain it to them.
This knowledge can also help you avoid unnecessary shop costs, as you can pinpoint an issue and might even be able to fix it yourself with the help of a buddy and research. Just make sure that you do your research and start with small and easy tasks first. Check out previous blog posts, and you’ll find a wealth of information and learning resources at your disposal, as well as talk to our friendly experts for vehicle-specific advice.
What is Powertrain?
A common misconception is that the powertrain is where power is generated, which is the engine. This is partially true, as the engine is part of the powertrain. However, the term powertrain actually refers to the entire series (hence the term train) of connected items (like a train’s locomotive and cars coupled together) that come together to propel your vehicle forwards as well as backward when required.
Note that the powertrain does not have anything to do with the steering, suspension, brakes, or auxiliary systems that, in a sense, help your vehicle go where you point it and stop where you want it to. The powertrain purely generates and transmits energy to rotate the wheels of your vehicle powerfully and efficiently. Basically, the powertrain is the entire system, that includes the drivetrain and driveline.
What components fall under the definition of a powertrain? We’ll come to that, as it’s important to understand the similarities and differences between powertrains, drivetrains, and drivelines. So let’s first find out what the definition of a drivetrain is, and what a driveline is. Following that, we’ll take you through which parts fall under the definition of a powertrain, and a drivetrain.
What is Drivetrain?
The drivetrain is the part that sits after the engine and deals with transmitting the power from the powertrain to the road. The drivetrain includes the driveline components as well. If you know your motor mechanics, you will glean that the transmission is a critical part of the drivetrain.
What is Driveline
The driveline sits right after the next component in the powertrain, which is the transmission. Basically, the driveline is everything after the transmission and before the wheels.
What Parts Fall Under Driveline?
From here, we’re going to take things backward, building up the train from the wheels to the engine. We’ll tell you what falls under each category. Starting with the driveline, it comprises:
- CV, or Constant Velocity joints, that allow power to be transmitted to the wheels while accounting for them moving up and down (due to suspension action) as well as in the case of the front wheels, swiveling side-to-side for steering action.
- Axle shafts that transmit power from the differential to the driven wheels.
- U-Joint, or Universal Joint, that is another joint that can swivel in various ways and connects the Driveshafts from the Transmission to the Differential.
- Differential, which proportions torque appropriately to each wheel, allowing it to turn at different rates. This is critical in allowing your vehicle to corner efficiently. Differential locks are counted as part of the differential.
- Driveshaft, which connects the differential to the transmission.
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What Parts Fall Under Drivetrain?
What does the drivetrain contain? Let’s find out.
- All components of the driveline
- The vehicle’s transmission, which may be a standard manual transmission, torque converter automatic, dual-clutch automatic transmission, automated manual transmission, or CVT automatic.
- If your off-roader has a transfer case with high and low ranges, this is considered a part of the drivetrain as well.
We at 4 Wheel Parts carry a wide range of drivetrain vehicle parts for you to browse from, including transmission components and repair kits, transmission mounts, transfer case upgrade, and even entire automatic transmissions for sale.
What Parts Fall Under Powertrain?
Now, let’s see what falls under powertrain.
- All components of the drivetrain, which includes all components of the driveline.
- The motive power source, or sources on board the vehicle, which may include:
- The gasoline or diesel engine that powers it.
- Any electric motors, in the case of hybrids or EVs, which are emerging in the off-roader space as well.
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Powertrain, Drivetrain, and Everything Else at 4 Wheel Parts
Whatever you’re looking for to enhance your vehicle, we at 4 Wheel Parts are bound to have a range of options. With nearly 100 stores scattered nationwide, we’re never far away from you, but if you’re an online shopper, our website offers a superior experience that’s almost comparable to in-store physical shopping!
Whichever avenue you choose, you’re availing yourself of competitive prices, a price-match policy, friendly expert advice, unmatched after-sales service, all applicable warranties, and more. Choose 4 Wheel Parts and you never need shop around again.
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