This is probably a dumb question. I have a 54 3100 with the original driveline. With the torque tube being a sealed system, does fluid from the transmission go into the torque tube and even all the way to the rear end?
The fluid from the transmission does "migrate" between the transmission and the the u-joint "ball between the transmission and the enclosed driveshaft.
There is a seal at the rear of the u-joint cover - the torque-tube housing can slide (a little) backwards and forwards as the rear-end moves up and down on thew springs.
There is a seal in the torque tube that is suppose the stop the migration of transmission oil into the enclosed shaft and into the rear differential. When this seal fails many replace with a Okie bushing/seal like this one:
If you transmission seems to be low on oil a lot and your rear end is over filled then you need this new seal.
Steve
1953 Chevrolet 3100 261 cu inch, sm420, 3.55 rear, torque tube still,omaha orange, still 6 volt, RPO green glass, side carrier spare, all done In the DITY Gallery Video of the 261 running
1964 GMC 1000 305 Big Block V6, sm420, the next cab off restoration
If you need to replace the seal, you will most likely need to replace all gaskets (in the set in my post above).
Also, you might have to replace the two clips/locks. Buy them and save them, if you do not need them now - the tabs break off after several bendings. Lock washers might/usually work, but, those clips always work.
The tranny funnels tranny gear lube through the tranny's rear output bearing into the tranny's tail housing and the Universal joint ball housing. The tranny gear lube, lubricates the u-joint and the rear yoke and propeller shaft bushings. The gear lube eventually levels out. There is a oil seal pressed into the front end of the torque tube, that prevents tranny gear lube from entering the rear axle housing.
The 1954 3100 rear yoke and propeller shaft bushings are also press fit into the front end of the torque tube. 1937 - and Early 1950 torque tube bushings were dowel pinned.
The Okie bushing sleeve is a quicker way to fix a bad torque tube oil seal and worn rear yoke and propeller shaft bushings.
The rear of the engine and tranny has a 3.70 degree pitch or tilt, which helps funnel gear lube into the tranny's tail housing and the Universal joint ball housing/torque tube area.
