Big limo Excursions, Expeditions, etc

[F14CRAZY]

In limos, in general, how is power transfered from the engine to the wheels? Is there just a real long driveshaft (with a lot of universal joints) to the back? My uncle brought it up, and he thought that they were just 4x4s with the front axle locked in all the time.

And what about more conventional limos, like Caddys and Lincolns? And, they have to have a heavier duty transmission, right? (like from a truck) Thanks.

 

[RiverRat]

The town cars I have seen just have longer drive shafts. The newer Caddys are front wheel drive so no drivetrain changes. Same with the Chrysler sedans.

The drivetrain on the town cars is not any more heavy duty than standard town cars. Same tranny, engine, etc.

Limmos are hard to drive. Talk about taking wide turns!

 

[Stephen]

Yep, they just stretch it all out.

Think about the added fab cost it would be to convert a RWD car into a FWD or AWD car, wouldn't be cost efficient.

 

[Digger196]

yah the drive shafts are just stretched. Have you ever been in a Limo? the floor is raised a tad towards the rear to compensate for the angle of the drive shaft

 

[Michael]

They also incorporate a carrier bearing into the rear driveshafts similar to that used on the late model crew cab super duty pickups. This prevents the driveshaft from being so long that it whips around as it spins.