K 2500 Truck 4WD V8-6.5L DSL Turbo VIN S (1998)
Drive/Propeller Shaft: Description and Operation
PROPELLER SHAFT DESCRIPTION
Propeller shafts transmit torque from the transmission to the rear axle. The number of propeller shafts varies with the vehicle wheel base combination
of transmission, transfer case, (front drive), and rear axle equipment.
Propeller shafts have universal joints at each end in order to accommodate angle variations between the transmission and rear axle, and the rear axle
position caused by suspension motion. All propeller shafts are the balanced tubular type.
For a one-piece propeller shaft, a splined slip joint connects the driveline to the transmission.
For two-piece and three-piece propeller shafts, a fixed yoke connects the driveline to the transmission.
Vehicles with two or more propeller shafts use a center bearing. The center bearing is usually near the rear of the front propeller shaft. The slip joint is
at the forward end of the rear propeller shaft.
