The propshaft, also known as the propeller shaft or drive shaft is used to connect various components of a drive train in a vehicle. Its purpose is to accommodate for two variables on the drive train, namely;

Variable distances typically found between the gearbox and the differential on all rear wheel drive and 4X4 vehicles. A sliding assembly (not found on all propshafts) allows the propshaft to increase and decrease in length in order to accommodate these changes.

Variations in alignment between the driving components and the driven components via universal joints or constant velocity joints.