Patent ID: 8608611

Claim:
A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels, the drive train comprising: a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and including a synchronizing clutch; a second driveline adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels, the second driveline including a power disconnection device and a friction clutch; and a hypoid gearset positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device, the friction clutch and the power disconnection device being positioned on opposite sides of the hypoid gearset, wherein in the hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by the first driveline, the second driveline or the wheels when the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device are operated in disconnected, non-torque transferring, modes, and wherein the drive train is switchable from a two-wheel drive mode to a four-wheel drive mode by transferring torque first through the synchronizing clutch, next through the friction clutch and lastly through the power disconnection device.