Technically both, before the vehicle is running on its own via combustion the crankshaft rotates and moves the pistons, once combustion has occurred the pistons take over if you will and turn the crank which rotates the next piston into position for combustion
The engine has a crankshaft that is connected to all the pistons in the engine. When the engine is running the pistons are moving up and down and are turning this crankshaft. The crankshaft in turn is spinning a shaft connected to the transmission. The transmission is turning a driveshaft that is connected to the differential which in turn is turning an axle connected to the wheels.
Generally speaking the crankshaft is located deep within the engine. The pistons are connected to the crankshaft and it is the device that turns the up and down motion of the pistons into a horizontal motion that drives the transmission and in turn the drive shafts that turn the wheels. If you ever have an opportunity to see your crankshaft that means your engine has been torn completely apart for a major overhaul.
The basic motion of a car is linear motion produced by the crankshaft, which is achieved by vertical motion of the pistons in the cylinders to turn and produce linear motion of the crankshaft.
The crankshaft is part of a piston engine, which can be either an internal combustion engine (one that runs on gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas or carbon monoxide) or an external combustion engine (a steam engine). The pistons are connected to the crankshaft through connecting rods. The pistons turn the crankshaft, which creates the rotating motion you bought the engine for.
You buy the correct crankshaft, rods, and pistons and install them in your block.
To turn a linear motion into a rotary motion.
the pistons drive the crankshaft via the connecting rods, though on start up the starter motor drives the crankshaft in its proper rotation direction to get the ball rolling
The crankshaft is an internal component of the engine that converts an up and down movement of the pistons to a rotational movement of the the crankshaft. This is provided to the powertrain for movement. The bottom of the pistons are attached to the crankshaft with main bearings.
No.
The angle of the engine makes it easier for the pistons turn the crankshaft.
A Crankshaft is an internal engine part connecting all your rods and pistons together to simultaneously turn all internal engine parts at a specified time.
If the pistons are hitting the crankshaft, either you have1. the wrong pistons (350 pistons are relatively short butit is possible to purchase pistons with the same bore but a longer skirt... in which case they would hit the crank)or2. the wrong crankshaft with too much "throw"