torque tube diff conversion
 

Car guy here...

Question about the truck torque tube rear axles: can they be converted to non-torque tube applications?

The reason I ask is that I believe the rear axles used in these trucks from about '46 to '54 or so were the same housings as they used for Nascar cars, but they didn't have the torque tube.

Any info would be appreciated!

Thanks,

HRJ

Re: torque tube diff conversion
 

Here's a pic of what I believe to be the earlier truck 10 bolt rear end in a '57 passenger car. The car rear ends had no bolt on rear cover - it was part of the housing. Any thoughts?

Re: torque tube diff conversion
 

Maybe the better question to ask: is there a 50's Chevy truck rear end with the 10 bolt cover, but with regular driveshaft pig (non-torque tube style)?

Re: torque tube diff conversion
 

hmmm... dam good guestion!

Re: torque tube diff conversion
 

C'mon...I know you guys know these trucks! :)

:help:

Re: torque tube diff conversion
 

Okay, got some response saying I need a '55-'59 half ton truck diff. Anybody got one to sell?

Joe

:metal:

Re: torque tube diff conversion
 

you can put a 55-59 diff. in but your rearend will rotate the torq tube is kind of like a ladder bar. I did this on a 52 and put a 3 speed from a Nova. We made some brackets to hold the rearend in place. I wasn't to crazy about the brackets but it got me back on the road.

Re: torque tube diff conversion
 

I hope I am answering some of your question and not confusing things too much. I believe advanced design chevy 1/2 ton trucks from 47-54 had the torque tube rearend. 55-62 they switched to open driveline. Since you mentioned nascar I wasn't sure if you are thinking of a rearend swap into another car, or converting a truck to open driveline. In my case, I have a 51, and I may try to find a 55-62 pumpkin to swap into my rearend to get the open driveline. In these trucks third member can be removed from the font of the rearend, like a 9 inch ford. Here are some pics where someone did this swap.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dodsonb...7600834633728/
What someone mentioned earlier is that if you used the torque tube housing, you would have to weld on leaf spring pads or some sort of bracket as the rearend pivots, with the torque tube. Sorry if thats not what you needed, just some torque tube swap info if anyone needs it.
Corey

Re: torque tube diff conversion
 

Welcome from arizona,
Are you asking a question or are you trying to find out what rear gear will fit your your truck?

Re: torque tube diff conversion
 

I'm wanting to put a truck rear end in a '57 passenger car, like they did in Nascar. My confusion was that I thought the trucks were all torque tube, but it looks like '55-'59 truck had open driveshaft, which if that's the case, all I need is to narrow one of them.

Anybody confused yet?

Re: torque tube diff conversion
 

How soon do you need the rear end? I may have one in the near future to get rid of. I'm getting a '55 for parts but need to wait until it cools down a little more so I don't have to deal with the flying stingers. Let me know when you need it. I'm only about 30 min. from you.

Latr man,

Bryan

Re: torque tube diff conversion
 

Awesome! Just let me know, I'll probably take it if $$$ is reasonable. It's a winter project, so not a big rush.

Joe

Re: torque tube diff conversion
 

here is some pics of my 58. does this help?

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...e/13fb7f2c.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...e/65ea76e1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...e/e04a69aa.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e7...e/1deab0d9.jpg

Re: torque tube diff conversion
 

Yep, that's the rear end! Would a '55 first series be narrower than the later ones?

Re: torque tube diff conversion
 

i just a 49 gmc 3/4 ton and everybody kept asking me if at had torque tube but it actallyhas a 2 piece drive line (longbed) but the rear axle looks origional so i guess it could take a drive shaft oh, and it is a ten bolt