A specific arrangement in four-wheel-drive vehicles involves a separate unit mounted independently of the transmission. This component receives power from the transmission via a driveshaft and then distributes it to both the front and rear axles. In older Ford trucks, for instance, this design allowed for greater flexibility in vehicle configuration and chassis design.
The significance of this layout lies in its adaptability. It offered advantages in vehicle design, allowing for different wheelbase lengths and frame configurations without necessitating major modifications to the transmission. This independent mounting also potentially simplified maintenance and repair procedures in some instances. Historically, it was a common solution for achieving four-wheel drive in heavier-duty vehicles.