It would be possible to eliminate the torque tube ball and replace it with a stub shaft and a sealed ball bearing, mounted to a piece of plate steel or aluminum that bolts onto the bolt circle on the back of the transmission where the ball retainer would normally fit. Use the front section of the existing U joint to mate with the trans output shaft, and adapt a square flange to the back of the stub shaft for an external U joint. It would be a fairly simple project for a competent machinist.
Jerry

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