DRIVELINE ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED JOINT AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

The present invention provides a driveline assembly for transferring power from a vehicle transmission to a driveline component, such as a transfer case or differential. The driveline assembly comprises a drive shaft having a first end configured for operatively coupling to the vehicle transmission. A constant velocity (CV) joint assembly is mounted to a second, opposite end of the drive shaft. More specifically, the joint assembly includes an outer race welded to a tubular member of the drive shaft and an inner race disposed within the outer race. A plurality of torque-transmitting balls are disposed between the inner and outer races to transmit torque from the outer race to the inner race and on to the driveline component. The inner race is configured for mating with a secondary shaft coupled to the driveline component.