In a conventional four-wheel drive vehicle, drive is transferred from the transfer case to the front and rear axle assemblies by propeller shafts. Drive shafts enclosed within the axle housings transmit the drive to the wheels.
In part-time four-wheel drive vehicles, drive is transmitted through the rear final drive to the rear wheels, in all drive ranges. Drive is only transmitted through the front axle final drive, when a four-wheel drive range is selected.
In a conventional part-time four-wheel drive vehicle, the transfer case allows the vehicle to be operated in high range in 2-wheel drive and/or 4-wheel drive, in low range in 4-wheel drive only and in a neutral condition for a power take-off.
On part time- four-wheel drive vehicles, free wheeling hubs can be installed on the front hubs, to disconnect the hubs from the axle shafts, and prevent rotation of the front axle components.
