Rear Axle facts
While investigating facts about Rear Axle, I found out little known, but curios details like:
In 1975 a Missouri construction worker heard of a device pitched to the US Army that would steer the rear wheels of a vehicle if the front axle broke. He modified it to work permanently and installed it on his 1974 Ford F-250, called it 'Bigfoot', and thus created the monster truck.
The first Volvo ever built had to leave the factory in reverse because its rear axle had been installed the wrong way.
In my opinion, it is useful to put together a list of the most interesting details from trusted sources that I've come across. Here are 6 of the best facts about Rear Axle I managed to collect.
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The difference between AWD and 4WD is the inclusion of a third differential in AWD vehicles between the front and rear axles.
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Between 1962 and 1972 there was a company called Turbonique, which sold turbine-powered rear axles and rocket thrusters for cars and gokarts. Their products were banned from NHRA-sanctioned drag racing in 1967, because they could explode, leading to fatalities.
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The "D" in DUKW/duck boats (amphibious trucks) means "designed in 1942," the "U" means "Utility," the "K" means "all-wheel drive," and the "W" means "dual rear-axles." According to the inventors, "Duplex Universal Karrier, Wheeled" -- popularized by a sci/tech encyclopedia -- is incorrect.
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Isadora Duncan, the controversial American dancer, was instantly strangled to death while travelling as a passenger in a car, on this day in 1927, after her scarf got entangled around the open-spoked wheels and rear axle, snapping her neck.
