Drivetrain Mods: Putting Power to The Ground

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What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about a fast car? It’s probably a super powerful engine. Yes, but even the most modded out engine can’t get your ride movingti without the hard ‘behind the scenes’ work of the drivetrain. Its often underestimated components are vital to your engine’s efficient performance and power output.

So, it’s worthwhile to understand how this complicated mechanical system works. As well as what can be done to improve it.

The components that make up your drivetrain all work together to transfer power from the transmission to the wheels. This is what moves your vehicle forward. Your drivetrain is made up of a driveshaft, CV joints, a differential, axle shafts, and U-joints.

The Transmission System

Your ride could be decked out with the meanest motor to power up its wheels… but without a good transmission system, you’re not going anywhere fast. The transmission system works as a magnifier for an engine’s twisting force. Its gears provide the additional leverage needed for faster acceleration, resulting in torque. And you know that when you have more torque, you’re enjoying greater horsepower in the lower RPM range for quicker starts and improved towing.

As the load increases, the transmission system continues to change its gears to keep your engine working in optimal RPMs.

Transmission Parts Transmission Shifters Transmission Oil Coolers Transmission Fluids
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The Differential

Similar to the transmission system, your vehicle’s differential is tasked with multiplying your engine’s torque. But that’s not all. Your differential’s ring and pinion gear take your engine’s power and transfer it to the driveshaft. It then turns it 90 degrees and sends it on its way through the axles, and finally to the wheels.

But how does the differential ensure power is transferred evenly to both wheels around corners? Special spider gears located inside the differential assembly allow the outside wheel to travel farther when you’re cornering. This improves your traction and reduces tire wear.

If you want to tune your differential, you can, easily, by installing a ring and pinion gear with a custom gear ratio. This is a perfect mod for improving your ride’s acceleration after installing monster tires, or lowering your dragster’s quarter-mile times.

Differential Parts Ring & Pinion Gears Differential Carriers Differential Mounts
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Have any questions on how to mod your drivetrain? Drop us a comment below and we'll help you figure it out.

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