On a rear-wheel-drive truck, which component transfers power from the transmission to the rear axle?

The driveshaft is the component that transfers power from the transmission to the rear axle in a rear-wheel-drive truck. When the transmission sends power from the engine, it flows through the driveshaft, which is a long, cylindrical tube. This rotational power is transmitted along the driveshaft to the rear axle, where it then powers the wheels.

This process is crucial for rear-wheel-drive vehicles because they rely on the rear axle to deliver the torque necessary for motion. The driveshaft typically has universal joints that allow it to articulate as the vehicle moves, accommodating for suspension movement, which is essential for maintaining power delivery while driving on uneven terrain or during cornering.

The other components listed do not perform this function. For example, a CV axle is primarily used in front-wheel-drive vehicles and connects the transaxle to the wheel hub for transferring power to the wheels. Rear control arms are part of the suspension system that helps in positioning the axle and maintaining vehicle stability. The transaxle, which combines both transmission and axle functions, is typically found in front-wheel-drive setups, not in rear-wheel models.