Engine torque is provided by a rear propeller shaft that is bolted to the pinion gear by a universal joint and pinion flange. The pinion gear is in constant mesh with the ring gear and causes it to turn. The ring gear then rotates the differential case causing the differential pinion gears to turn with the case. This causes the side gears and both rear axle shafts to rotate. When both wheels have equal traction, the pinion gears do not rotate on the cross shaft. This is due to an input force that is equally divided between the side gears. In other words, the pinion gears revolve with the cross shaft but do not rotate around it. When the vehicle turns a corner, the outer axle must turn faster than the inner axle. When the inner axle turns slower than the outer, it slows its side gear. The differential pinion gears will roll around the slower side gear providing torque to the outer axle shaft.

A four-wheel antilock braking system is optional equipment on this vehicle. The rear wheel speed sensor is mounted on the rear differential carrier. The rear wheel speed sensor consists of a magnetic core, with a magnet and a coil. The speed sensor exciter ring is mounted on the differential case behind the ring gear and rotates with the case. An electrical impulse is produced each time a gear tooth of the speed sensor exciter ring passes the rear wheel speed sensor, allowing the sensor to receive a signal in direct proportion to the rear axle speed. This signal is then sent to the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). For more information and diagnostic procedures, refer to Antilock Brake System.