Transfer Case
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
The transfer case system consists of a power transfer unit, rear propeller shaft, coupling device and rear axle. The power transfer unit is a gearbox that attaches to a transaxle. The right hand halfshaft passes through the transfer case and engages the differential side gear as in normal 4X2 applications. The transfer case provides power to the rear propshaft through a helical gear spline coupled to the transaxle differential case, a helical gear drop (idler gear) and hypoid/helical ring gear assembly and pinion set.