The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Torque Tube Question

I have a '50 3100. I just got it on the road a few weeks ago. On the initial test drive I noticed that I had a bad vibration while engine braking. After inspecting the driveline I noticed that the threaded collar that secures the torque tube to the ball housing was completely backed off. I cleaned the dirt out of the threads on the ball housing and threaded the collar on as far as i could get it. This semed to remove all play between the tube and the ball housing. After a few drives (about 40miles worth) I noticed that the vibration had returned. I inspected the collar and made sure that is was still tight, it was. I did notice that ther play between the ball housing and the torque tube had returned. Is this play normal? I would assume that there should be some sort of packing between the tube and the housing. Any help or pictures would be appreciated. Thanks, Ken

...its been a many years time since I had my 50. I don't think just tightening the collar will help on the vibration. Pull the collar back and check the joints and make sure all is well.

By checking the joints I assume you mean the front universal joint? Could the issue be a worn out front torque tube bushing?