oldblu40 - To remove the spring perches, I used an electric angle grinder with a 1/8" thick abrasive wheel. Carefully cut throught the weld and it'll pop right off.
automarc - The torque tube directly ties the rearend to the transmission. It is the only thing that keeps the whole rearend housing from rotating backwards when you step on the gas. So you remove the torque tube, the welded on spring perches keeps the rearend housing in one position.
