Be sure to put your jack stands under the frame, NOT the axle housing. Spring tension on the torque tube can cause it to slam down pretty violently if you unbolt everything at the back of the transmission with the weight on the springs!
Jerry
LOL, I learned that the hard way when replacing the tranny on a 54 Chevy station wagon back in college. Needed a trip to the health clinic for a couple of stitches, then back to finish the job. I have a reminder above my right eye that's still visible.
Put a jack stand under the torque tube also, or at least a strap to restrain it before disconnecting the u-joint.
The Corvette torque tube serves a different purpose than on an AD truck. Basically keeps the body from twisting. If it weren't there, the body and frame would be all that's resisting the torque of the driveshaft between the engine and rear mounted tranny. The AD torque tube is loaded in bending, not twisting like the Vette example.
