Bi-directional overrunning clutch with outer spring for a drive axle

A bi-directional overrunning clutch for transmitting torque to drive axle halves includes a clutch housing that attaches to an input gear, and hubs that attach to the axle halves. A pair of roll cages located within the housing adjacent to the hubs have rollers. The rollers wedge between the hubs and first tapered portions on the clutch housing when the roll cage is rotated forward relative to the housing, and between the hubs and second tapered portions on the clutch housing when the roll cage is rotated in the opposite direction, Springs hold the rollers engaged with recesses in the hubs, but let the rollers lift to permit relative rotation of the hubs and roll cages. Relative rotation between the roll cages is limited: when one roll cage is wedged, the other can move only as far as a free position midway between the first and second tapered portions.