Front Drive
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US $.95
Front, rear, and four-wheel drive transmissions all have pros and cons that make them better in some situations than others. Rear wheel (RWD) OEMs (original manufactures) and rebuilt transmissions were the main design on the market for many years. The front wheel drive (FWD) was possibly invented between 1895 and 1898, but the first one to see mass production was in 1912. Built for rough terrain, the 4x4 was patented by Joeseph Bramah Diplock in 1893.
Rear Wheel Drive OEM And Rebuilt Transmissions
If you bought a vehicle, this type of transmission was generally the only type you had to select from for many years. The vehicle propels itself forward and steers from the back rather than pulling. This means RWD vehicles suffer far less wear and tear than those who use the front. This style has better weight distribution. This gives the vehicle better handling, and better maneuverability in mud and snow. The design of these systems allows more room for each component. The parts are easier to access, which means repairs are cheaper and easier.
The added room does make repairs easier, but the convenience comes at a price. Having the parts spread out (particularly the long motor) cuts down on the amount of space in the cab as well as storage areas. When it comes to handling wet road surfaces, rear wheel styles fall behind their counterparts because of the reduced stability and traction.
Front Wheel Drive Transmission
The FWD version shines in many of the areas RWD original and rebuilt transmissions fail, but the design does have its downfalls. Because this style pulls the vehicle forward as well as steers, the tires and the rest of the parts experience far more wear and tear. It will handle better on wet roads, however, because the majority of the weight sits over the wheels that move the rest of the body. This style also weighs less, allowing it to move on less power. This means it requires less fuel.
The motor in these machines sits parallel to the cab, allowing more space for passengers and cargo space. Unfortunately, it also means that space is a premium under the hood. Parts are compacted together, meaning that a repair might require you to remove several pieces before you can start. The design can also cause the steering lose control if the front wheels receive too much power.
Four Wheel Drive (4x4 Or AWD)
As you might expect, this design uses both sets of wheels to control the vehicle, albeit at different speeds. They give you the best possible handling on all surfaces, particularly on rough terrain. This is why many heavy-duty vehicles and construction equipment use these OEM and rebuilt transmissions. On the down side, an AWD transmission requires additional parts that add weight to the entire machine. This translates into poorer fuel economy and more parts to repair. Overall, this system costs more.
Front, rear, and all wheel original and rebuilt transmissions all have their place. Some work better in a particular situation than in others. Consider the pros and cons of each style before choosing your vehicle to find the one that will get you where you are going.
Christine O'Kelly is an author for Dealers Transmission Exchange, the rebuilt Euclid transmissions specialists. Their reman experts have an average of 15 years experience with the company specializing in a variety of drive train parts including the Euclid Transmission and accessories.
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Front Drive Shaft by 4Wheel Drive Hardware $283.99 1976-79 Jeep CJ;26-1/2 in. collapsed and 28-1/4 in. running length;26.5 Collapsed length JEEP CJ5 CJ7 1976 1977 1978 1979 3.8L (232) 4.2L (258) 5L (304) GAS Front Drive Shaft by 4Wheel Drive Hardware |
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Front Drive Shaft by 4Wheel Drive Hardware for Jeep $211.99 1976-79 Jeep CJ;26-1/2 in. collapsed and 28 in. running length JEEP CJ5 CJ7 1976 1977 1978 1979 3.8L (232) 4.2L (258) 5L (304) GAS Front Drive Shaft by 4Wheel Drive Hardware for Jeep |
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Front Drive Shaft by Crown Automotive $892.99 1996-98 Jeep ZJ Grand Cherokee;With 5.2L or 5.9L engine;With 249 and Model 30 axle;Collapsed length:31.250 Front Drive Shaft by Crown Automotive |
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Front Drive Shaft by Crown Automotive for Jeep $418.99 Propeller Shaft JEEP CJ7 1984 1985 1986 2.5L (150) GAS Front Drive Shaft by Crown Automotive for Jeep |
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Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.27 $501.99 2003-04 Jeep TJ Wrangler;2.5L 4-cylinder engine;Automatic transmission;Same length as factory drive shaft for same application;37 in. extended and 35 in. collapsed JEEP WRANGLER (97-06TJ) SE 2003 2.4L Power-Tech (148) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.27 |
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Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.22 $907.99 1997-02 Jeep TJ Wrangler;4.0L 6-cylinder engine;Manual transmission;Same length as factory drive shaft for same application JEEP WRANGLER (97-06TJ) SPORT 1997 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.22 |
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Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.08 $418.99 1982-86 Jeep CJ;T-176 manual transmission;4-cylinder engine;Collapsed length 27-1/4 in. JEEP CJ7 1984 1985 1986 2.5L (150) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.08 |
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Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.25 $467.99 2001-02 Jeep TJ Wrangler;Automatic;4-cylinder engine JEEP WRANGLER (97-06TJ) SE 2001 2002 2.5L (150) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.25 |
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Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.4 $748.99 1992-93 Jeep ZJ Grand Cherokee;4.0L 6-cylinder;Automatic transmission JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (ZJ) LAREDO LIMITED 1993 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.4 |
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Replacement Front Drive Shaft by Chrysler for Jeep $543.99 1999-01 Jeep WJ Grand Cherokee;4.0L 6-cylinder engine JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (WJ) LAREDO LIMITED 1999 2000 2001 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Replacement Front Drive Shaft by Chrysler for Jeep |
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Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.24 $501.99 2003-06 Jeep TJ Wrangler;4.0L 6-cylinder engine;Manual transmission;Same length as factory drive shaft for same application;40 in. extended and 37 in. collapsed JEEP WRANGLER (97-06LJ) WRANGLER (97-06TJ) RUBICON SAHARA SPORT UNLIMITED UNLIMITED RUBICON X 2003 2004 2005 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.24 |
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Front Output Gear by 4Wheel Drive Hardware for Jeep $82.99 1980-86 Jeep CJ;Dana 300 JEEP CJ5 CJ7 SCRAMBLER 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 2.5L (150) 2.5L Iron Duke LX8 (151) 4.2L (258) 5L (304) GAS Front Output Gear by 4Wheel Drive Hardware for Jeep |
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Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.02 $730.99 1976-79 CJ7;Automatic transmission;6 or 8-cylinder;Collapsed length 36-5/8 in. JEEP CJ7 1976 1977 1978 1979 3.8L (232) 4.2L (258) 5L (304) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.02 |
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Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.03 $465.99 1976-79 Jeep CJ;T150 manual transmission;Collapsed length 26-1/2 in. JEEP CJ7 1976 1977 1978 1979 3.8L (232) 4.2L (258) 5L (304) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.03 |
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Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.04 $458.99 1976-79 Jeep CJ;T-18 transmission;1981 Jeep CJ;Automatic transmission;Collapsed Length 30-1/4 in. JEEP CJ5 CJ7 1976 1977 1978 1979 1981 2.5L Iron Duke LX8 (151) 3.8L (232) 4.2L (258) 5L (304) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.04 |
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Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.41 $543.99 1992-96 Jeep ZJ Grand Cherokee;4.0L 6-cylinder;AX-15 transmission JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE (ZJ) LAREDO SE 1993 1994 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.41 |
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Dana Spicer 915374-1903 Front Drive Shaft by Dana Spicer $547.99 1989-00 Jeep XJ Cherokee;1989-92 Jeep MJ Comanche;4.0L 6-cylinder engine;Automatic transmission;Same length as factory drive shaft Dana Spicer 915374-1903 Front Drive Shaft by Dana Spicer |
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Fiberglass Front Fender by 4Wheel Drive Hardware for Jeep $201.99 1987-95 Jeep YJ Wrangler;Passenger side JEEP WRANGLER (87-95YJ) ISLANDER LAREDO RENEGADE RIO GRANDE S SAHARA SE SPORT 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 2.5L (150) 4.2L (258) 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Fiberglass Front Fender by 4Wheel Drive Hardware for Jeep |
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Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.3 $748.99 1989-00 Jeep XJ Cherokee;4.0L 6-cylinder;Manual transmission JEEP CHEROKEE (XJ) BRIARWOOD CLASSIC COUNTRY LAREDO LIMITED PIONEER SE SPORT 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 4L (242) 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.3 |
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Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.31 $748.99 1989-00 Jeep XJ Cherokee;4.0L 6-cylinder;Automatic transmission JEEP CHEROKEE (XJ) BRIARWOOD CLASSIC COUNTRY LAREDO LIMITED PIONEER SE SPORT 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 4L (242) 4L Power Tech (242) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.31 |
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Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.32 $748.99 1995-00 Jeep XJ Cherokee;2.5L diesel;Export JEEP CHEROKEE (XJ) CHIEF LAREDO PIONEER SE 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2.5L (150) GAS Jeep Front Drive Shaft by Omix-Ada 16590.32 |
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Trailmaster Front Drive Shaft by Trailmaster 951303 $648.99 2007-12 Jeep JK Wrangler, Rubicon and Unlimited;2 and 4-door models;3 in. of lift or more required for installation;38.25 in. extended and 34.25 collapsed JEEP WRANGLER (07-12JK) ISLANDER MOUNTAIN RUBICON SAHARA SPORT UNLIMITED ISLANDER UNLIMITED MOUNTAIN UNLIMITED RUBICON UNLIMITED SAHARA UNLIMITED SPORT UNLIMITED X X 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 3.6L (220) 3.8L (231) GAS Trailmaster Front Drive Shaft by Trailmaster 951303 |