Connecting transmission to torque tube on a '53 truck
 

How do you make the connection to the torque tube when the transmission is in place please?

Re: Connecting transmission to torque tube on a '53 truck
 

Jack the back of the truck up, put your stands under the springs or frame(just not the axle). Also helps a little to remove the back tires.
With all this, you should be able to lift the torque tube by hand.
The procedure for adjustment is outlined here:

http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com...4ctsm0711.html

It's a '54 manual, but it's the same deal.

Re: Connecting transmission to torque tube on a '53 truck
 

I'd suggest putting some very solid stands under the frame rather than the springs.

1. for your safety as it may not be real stable with stands under the springs.

2. so you can let the whole axle and spring assembly drop down and allow the torque tube to pull away from the back of the trans just a bit more.

It's been 50 years since I changed a clutch on one of those so the memory is a bit fuzzy on the rest of the particulars.

Re: Connecting transmission to torque tube on a '53 truck
 

Yeah. the last one I put together was in a bare frame, on a lift, so it was a bit easier.
On my wife's panel I took it apart on stands under the spring plates, but it'll be going back together as an open driveline 5 speed.
Yes, at some point I'll have to move the stands. Hadn't really planned to do anything but repair the existing 3 speed when I took it apart.