A torque transfer assembly (12) adapted for use in a planetary gear train is provided. The torque transfer assembly (12) comprises generally a planetary carrier (42) and a torque transfer coupling adapter (44). The planetary carrier (44) is adapted to rotatably support the plurality of planet gears (38) between a first and second planes (48a, 48b). The planetary carrier (42) also has a first connecting member (50) extending therefrom. The torque transfer coupling adapter (44) is disposed concentrically and rotatably with the planetary carrier (42), and has a central torque output element (54) and a second connecting member (52) extending from it. The second connecting member (52) is adapted to be engaged with the first connecting member (50) to structurally join the coupling adapter (44) and the planetary carrier (42), the first and second connecting members (50, 52) being structurally joined together between the first and second planes (48a, 48b).