This is my first time dealing with and learning about the torque tube set up on my 50 chevy 3100. I'm getting ready to install my rebuilt 59 235 and my rebuilt 50 chevy 3 speed. I'm picking up a new u joint tomorrow and I was reading some details about the torque tube set up. It is my understanding that the u joints in these trucks originally did not have needle bearings, they had bushings and they were lubricated by the oil contained inside the torque tube. My question is this, If I can get u joints for this torque tube that have needle bearings, why would I need the oil in the torque tube? Would this thing operate like a regular driveshaft if the u joints were upgraded? Please educate me further on this matter? My torque tube looks kind of beat up on the inside of the pivoting part where I have to figure out the seals and shims ordeal once I get the seals latter this week. I'm concerned that this thing is going to be a nasty, dripping issue on my completely clean truck.
