| Front, rear, and four-wheel drive transmissions all | | | | pulls the vehicle forward as well as steers, the |
| have pros and cons that make them better in | | | | tires and the rest of the parts experience far |
| some situations than others. Rear wheel (RWD) | | | | more wear and tear. It will handle better on wet |
| OEMs (original manufactures) and rebuilt | | | | roads, however, because the majority of the |
| transmissions were the main design on the | | | | weight sits over the wheels that move the rest |
| market for many years. The front wheel drive | | | | of the body. This style also weighs less, allowing it |
| (FWD) was possibly invented between 1895 and | | | | to move on less power. This means it requires |
| 1898, but the first one to see mass production | | | | less fuel. |
| was in 1912. Built for rough terrain, the 4x4 was | | | | The motor in these machines sits parallel to the |
| patented by Joeseph Bramah Diplock in 1893. | | | | cab, allowing more space for passengers and |
| Rear Wheel Drive OEM And Rebuilt Transmissions | | | | cargo space. Unfortunately, it also means that |
| If you bought a vehicle, this type of transmission | | | | space is a premium under the hood. Parts are |
| was generally the only type you had to select | | | | compacted together, meaning that a repair might |
| from for many years. The vehicle propels itself | | | | require you to remove several pieces before you |
| forward and steers from the back rather than | | | | can start. The design can also cause the steering |
| pulling. This means RWD vehicles suffer far less | | | | lose control if the front wheels receive too much |
| wear and tear than those who use the front. This | | | | power. |
| style has better weight distribution. This gives the | | | | Four Wheel Drive (4x4 Or AWD) |
| vehicle better handling, and better maneuverability | | | | As you might expect, this design uses both sets |
| in mud and snow. The design of these systems | | | | of wheels to control the vehicle, albeit at different |
| allows more room for each component. The parts | | | | speeds. They give you the best possible handling |
| are easier to access, which means repairs are | | | | on all surfaces, particularly on rough terrain. This is |
| cheaper and easier. | | | | why many heavy-duty vehicles and construction |
| The added room does make repairs easier, but | | | | equipment use these OEM and rebuilt |
| the convenience comes at a price. Having the | | | | transmissions. On the down side, an AWD |
| parts spread out (particularly the long motor) cuts | | | | transmission requires additional parts that add |
| down on the amount of space in the cab as well | | | | weight to the entire machine. This translates into |
| as storage areas. When it comes to handling wet | | | | poorer fuel economy and more parts to repair. |
| road surfaces, rear wheel styles fall behind their | | | | Overall, this system costs more. |
| counterparts because of the reduced stability and | | | | Front, rear, and all wheel original and rebuilt |
| traction. | | | | transmissions all have their place. Some work |
| Front Wheel Drive Transmission | | | | better in a particular situation than in others. |
| The FWD version shines in many of the areas | | | | Consider the pros and cons of each style before |
| RWD original and rebuilt transmissions fail, but the | | | | choosing your vehicle to find the one that will get |
| design does have its downfalls. Because this style | | | | you where you are going. |