The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Make a trailer axle out of a torque tube rearend

Hey Everybody,

I have been tinkering with a \'52 Panel that I bought about 6 months ago and finally have a question that I haven't been able to find an answer for on this board. I was wondering if it was possible to disconnect the torque tube from the differential to make the rearend spin more free? (to push around the yard until I get the money for the drivetrain).

TIA,
Bonk

I cant answer your question, but your website on that panel was fun to read, great progress! Keep it up!

- Shane
[email protected]

Enjoyed your pics and description too.

I'm not surprised at the rust you've found, my Suburban has rust in many of the same places. I found some complete inner rear panels that I plan to use to when I repair that part of mine.

I have a '54 3100 frame in my yard that has a rear axle, but not torque tube or drive shaft. Around here that's an invitation to rust, but it seems to roll around easily this way.

I was considering using that axle under a trailer and thought if I can find another rear cover to put on the front that would keep the moisture out. Haven't checked to be sure its going to fit...

Old Sub-
Did you pull the torque tube out of the differential on your '54 frame, or was it already that way when you got it?

I'm not too worried about rust. It is pretty dry here, like Eastern Oregon and Washington.

Thanks for the comments on the webpage, it helps motivate me when I see what I've accomplished and how long it has been since my last posting.

How do you figure to hold the axles in place without a third member?

If you look at my webpage, you will get the idea that I am not an experienced mechanic. That is why I am asking the question:

Is it possible?

For all I know there could be some thingamabobbers holding the axles in, so I wouldn't need the torque tube.

The torque tube was laying in the bed when I got that truck. I've never taken one of these apart. I've moved it around the yard with no evidence the axles are loose. I don't know what is holding them in place.

The axles are held in place by two clips inside the third member. The clips must be removed and the axles pulled out to remove the third member. OldSub, I imagine the only thing holding your axles in is the tight fit of the wheel bearings. It might be OK to push around the yard but I wouldn't tow it on the street like that.

Bonk33r,
you have a very nice project there. I wouldn't mind having one like that to work on, myself. the pictures are great too. If you bought it at a salvage yard, how long was it sittin there?

I pulled a couple of these apart, I'm thinking....you could drill out the rivits and pull the torque tube that has the pinion attached then seal that opening. That leaves the 3rd member intact with the other gears still inside. I can't remember clearly but maybe the ring gear could come off also, just leaving the carrier and spider gears that the C clips go on to hold the axels in. Guess you will still have lube in it and it would be good for a take the trash to the dump trailer. Not sure it would be a good way to go for moving cross country?

Buddy

It arrived at my house on back a flat bed truck. It left and returned once on a trailer.

Its not likely to move more than a few feet from its present location. I plan to subframe this one, and its sitting in the approximate location where that will happen. It will also get new rear suspension and rear axle at the same time.

Not sure when that time will be...

Because the torque tube axles mount 'floppy' I would not think they are a good option for building a trailer.

On the other hand, I though about removing all the guts, include the axle shafts, and then mounting the front spindles on the ends of the axle tube to make a trailer axle. But once you've done that, I think it would have been easier to use some square tube instead.

And then someone gave me an old camp trailer, and I think I'll just use the axle from under that it build my little utility trailer....

truckernix - the owner of the salvage yard said he bought it 5 years ago from a guy that had it running. I kicked it over with starting fluid when I first got it, and it was just fine. I'm not planning on using the current drivetrain, so I already pulled it out.

Buddy - I don't plan on actually making a trailer out of it. It was just the easiest way I could think of to get my idea across. Actually, my dad had a 3/4 ton Panel that was a trailer when I was younger, that's where I first started liking them.

The plan right now is just to push it in and out of the garage, until I get the money for the new drivetrain. My dream is an Interstate/Autobahn Cruiser. A Ramjet 350 crate, 4L60E, Gear Vendor's Overdrive, and a 3.73 rearend. Please don't hate me for doing this!! That's why I didn't get a truck in restorable condition. I thought the "Urban Suburban" was neat, I just wish they wouldn't have done it to such a nice Panel.

Bonk33r,

If you are on concrete or black top, have you condsidered the wheel dollies? Sort of like roller blades for trucks? A couple of places sell them around here for $34 a pair. I considered a set so I could shove the truck up against the wall. But now that it runs, I don't need em....