In a conventional rear-wheel-drive vehicle with the gearbox at the front and a separate differential at the rear axle, which component carries rotation from the gearbox output to the rear assembly?

Correct answer

The propeller shaft.

The propeller shaft, which carries rotation and torque to the rear differential in this architecture. Its joints and, where applicable, sliding elements accommodate geometric changes provided for by the design. Not every vehicle uses a longitudinal shaft or rear assembly in this way: integrated gearbox/differential units, other layouts and electric systems exist.