Tom Skold (asker) May 5, 2013:

Great. Thanks a lot for the information!

Predrag Loncar May 3, 2013:

Hello Tom! This is not my language combination, but I specialize in Automotive. Propshaft and driveshaft both transfer torque through driveline. But driveshaft comes after propshaft. They transfer torque in different directions. Propshaft (propeller shaft) transfers torque longidutinally (from gearbox to final drive) whereas sideshaft (axle shaft) transfers torque from final drive to drive wheels.

The best way is to understand the term "driveline". See http://www.motorera.com/dictionary/DR.HTM#Driveline.

Synonym for "sideshaft" is "axleshaft" - see http://www.motorera.com/dictionary/SI.HTM.

Synonyms for "propshaft" are "propeller shaft" and "driveshaft" - http://www.motorera.com/dictionary/PR.HTM. But, as you can see, "driveshaft" has more general meaning. In German, it is "Kardanwelle" accordin to "Kardangelenk" (universal joint)

See also picture on http://www.sae.org/mags/sve/9973 (yellow and grey shaft)