Quote:
Originally posted by QRTRHRS:
Note that on a tandem only one axle is being powered under normal conditions. The other axle just free wheels along saving fuel unless switched "on".
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Not true. There is a differential between the two axles that is housed in the "front" tandem axle that divides the power just like the differential divides power between the wheels. Both axles get power, but the one with the least traction will spin just like the spinning wheel on either side of a single axle. This is why there is usually an "inter-axle differential lock" to lock this differential so that the axle with the most traction will then pull the truck out of trouble.
Check an exploded drawing of a splitter axle or check out an actual axle and you will see that this is true.