The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Torque tube modifications

Folks, my 1950 chev ute has a closed torque tube setup the rear diff, looking at changing the diff from a later model vehicle but it means i need to do something with the existing torque tube setup.

I remember reading something about a conversion kit that allows you to keep your gearbox but switch over to open driveshaft.

Any chance someone can ellaborate or someone who has done it send some photos through

Would be greatly appreciated

Steve

I doubt there's a kit. You'll have to have a drive shaft custom made.

The issue with close driveshaft transmissions, is that the transmission oil lubricates the u-joint. Even if you can get a more modern grease lubed u-joint yoke on the transmission, you'd still have to find a way to seal the rear of the transmission where the yoke comes out. Given enough money and a capable machine shop, it would be possible to modify the transmission, but a switch to an open driveshaft style gearbox would be much easier. The open driveshaft is the easy part, modifying the closed driveshaft transmission is harder.

The transmission conversion kit you were looking at in your previous thread didn't work out?

https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthread...tube-setup-to-open-diff.html#Post1440871

Couldnt get anything shipped, been a couple of years and was hoping something had turned up on the market, hence the re asking of my question

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

Which transmission do you have?

Why not do it like General Motors did it in 1955. A 1955 and later transmission and rear from a 1955 and later will have will have an open drive shaft. But remember that the torque tube kept the rear axle from torquing and the axle seats were hinged. Either weld the hinges tight or fabricate axle seats or modify some from a trailer. Just make sure you keep the same pinion inclination angle. From your first post it sounds like you have a rear that will work. A 1955 or later pickup or passenger transmission will work.