A vehicle power transfer unit (PTU) disconnect assembly can include a first shaft, a second shaft, and a collar assembly. The first shaft has a first split-spline at its exterior surface. The second shaft is telescoped over the first shaft and has a set of splines at its exterior surface. A helical gear is carried by the second shaft. The collar assembly is situated around both of the first and second shafts. The collar assembly has a second split-spline at its interior surface.