Does anyone know of or have a torque setting for the torque tube to rear axle assembly nuts for the 42-46 chevy 1/2 ton trucks? Some reading says that prior to the late 40"s torque values were not really listed for most bolting applications. Tighten securely, secure firmly, tighten snugly, were the usual torque specs. I did find this chart, courtesy of the filling station, and thought it may be a good reference for some. The note on the chart indicated that the bolts in these older trucks were non hardened and non alloy, and only the column in green should be used.
Last edited by bigedpa; 03/02/202612:03 PM.
"it's only old if you can't find a use for it; otherwise it's cool and i'll use it."
bigedpa - your probably not going to go wrong using those guidelines. I did a check through my various Chevy and GMC Shop/Maintenance manuals and could find nothing specifying actual torque values from 1939 on up through 1954. Just the same terminology of "Tighten securely,..." etc. that you found.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
When I reassembled my torque tube, I did in fact "snugged" all the bolts. I filled with gear oil and a few days later there were some drops of oil on the floor, so I "snugged" them a little more. Not sure what the torque is, but no oil in the last few months.
~ John in Utah 1946 1/2Ton w/4-speed manual transmission w/1960 235 engine Here We Go Follow in his DITY Bay
- If you think about it, it has been one year ago today!
I put gasket sealer on both sides of the gasket, then bolted it together "snugly". No leaks whatsoever. The bolts are there to hold things in place, not stop the oil leaks. The other end of the torque tube is a different story however, as the cork seals have to move around. Expect some dripping there.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
