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| | | | Joined: Feb 2022 Posts: 162 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2022 Posts: 162 | Hello, how do you remove the torque tube from the back of the transmission on a 53,3 speed manual transmission? Thanks.
1953 with a 216
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,215 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 4,215 | You need to unfasten the threaded collar, that allows you to slide the spherical housing back. This exposes the U joint, unfasten that and you can drop the torque tube enough to remove the transmission. Be sure to keep track of any shims that are there for correct alignment. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2019 Posts: 4,496 AD Addict & Tinkerer | | AD Addict & Tinkerer Joined: Feb 2019 Posts: 4,496 | Prior to sliding back the housing, you will need to clean and emery the part that slides, so it is squeaky clean otherwise you will have a difficult time getting it to slide back. Here is the section that covers the removal from the Chevrolet Truck Shop Manual. http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1954truck/54ctsm0449.html
Last edited by Phak1; 04/10/2022 1:17 PM.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc BrakesProject JournalsStovebolt Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,838 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,838 | Be sure the weight of the vehicle is supported by the frame, NOT the rear axle tubes. Weight on the springs can, and usually does cause the torque tube to slam down as the U joint is disconnected. This happened to a friend back in high school, and one jack stand slipped out of position, pinning him under the vehicle. Only minor injuries resulted, but it took three people to lift the vehicle enough to get him out from under it. It's also a lot easier to slide the pivot ball back with no load on the torque tube.
Jerry
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| | | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 247 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 247 | They call them torque tubes for a reason. Years ago I took one loose and it came down just past my ear. It got my attention real quick. Now I always put a chain around it and tie it to the truck. It took only once for me to learn that lesson. I guess the school of hard knocks was in session. Luckily I wasn't hurt.
Jim | | | | | Joined: Feb 2022 Posts: 162 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2022 Posts: 162 | Thanks I was going to say tie strap it up or chain it up so that doesn't happen.
1953 with a 216
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2019 Posts: 4,496 AD Addict & Tinkerer | | AD Addict & Tinkerer Joined: Feb 2019 Posts: 4,496 | They call them torque tubes for a reason. Years ago I took one loose and it came down just past my ear. It got my attention real quick. Now I always put a chain around it and tie it to the truck. It took only once for me to learn that lesson. I guess the school of hard knocks was in session. Luckily I wasn't hurt.
Jim A 2x4 fit between the frame rails, under the torque tube works real well too!
Last edited by Phak1; 04/11/2022 12:43 PM.
Phil Moderator, The Engine Shop, Interiors and Project Journals1952 Chevrolet 3100, Three on the Tree, 4:11 torque tube Updated to: ‘59 235 w/hydraulic lifters, 12v w/alternator, HEI, PCV and Power front Disc BrakesProject JournalsStovebolt Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,296 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,296 | The 2x4 trick is by far the simplest option. The further you slide the 2x4 rearward in the frame, the higher it moves the tube out of your way.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2018 Posts: 2,450 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2018 Posts: 2,450 | 52carl We had a greaser of a 2x4 cut to length for that. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,296 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,296 | 52carl We had a greaser of a 2x4 cut to length for that. Patina is what you call that.  That helps to remember not to use that one for building a shelf or whatnot.
Last edited by 52Carl; 04/25/2022 1:31 AM.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
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