Torque tube necessary?

[mith612]

I am in the process of resto-modding a 1971 Ascona A, and have gotten to the point of starting disassembly of the rear end, as it is now out from under the car. Since part of the project involves an engine/trans swap, it will need a new driveshaft to connect the Kia trans to the Opel rear end.

Taking stock of the rear end as it sits, the center bearing seems okay, but the rubber donut and the other rubber torque tube supports are definitely shot. It seems like it might be possible to shorten the torque tube significantly and set it up more like a conventional yoke on other rear ends. Doing this would also mean a longer, one piece drive shaft, as opposed to the two piece setup as is. The removal of the crossmember would also remove a good bit of weight from under the car.

As anyone else ever shortened the torque tube as I've suggested?

[oldopelguy]

Taking a look at your rear axle, the torque tube is actually an important part of the rear suspension. Without it there's nothing to keep the axle from twisting when you accelerate or brake. You can't take it out without completely re-designing the rear end.

[blancojp]

Originally Posted by mith612 I am in the process of resto-modding a 1971 Ascona A, and have gotten to the point of starting disassembly of the rear end, as it is now out from under the car. Since part of the project involves an engine/trans swap, it will need a new driveshaft to connect the Kia trans to the Opel rear end. Taking stock of the rear end as it sits, the center bearing seems okay, but the rubber donut and the other rubber torque tube supports are definitely shot. It seems like it might be possible to shorten the torque tube significantly and set it up more like a conventional yoke on other rear ends. Doing this would also mean a longer, one piece drive shaft, as opposed to the two piece setup as is. The removal of the crossmember would also remove a good bit of weight from under the car. As anyone else ever shortened the torque tube as I've suggested?

The torque tube is part of what is called "a three link rear suspension". I own an Ascona as well and the rear suspension overhaul cost less than $200 complete.

I would adapt your drive shaft to the Opel rear and leave well enough alone.

[timemachine]

Originally Posted by oldopelguy Taking a look at your rear axle, the torque tube is actually an important part of the rear suspension. Without it there's nothing to keep the axle from twisting when you accelerate or brake. You can't take it out without completely re-designing the rear end.

I agree with OldOpelGuy. On the Manta and Ascona, the rear crossmember doesn't just absorb torsion, it supports the direction and movement of the entire rear suspension. You could build something completely different at your peril, but you can't run that rear design without the torque tube and landings.

[greensmurf20]

the only "solution" so to speak i can think of if your dead set on ridding of the torque tube is to do a torque arm, like the 3rd and 4th generation Fbodies (1982-2002 camaro and firebird) looking at those cars, the rear suspension works in the same way, but instead of a 2 piece shaft with a tube, a 1 piece drive shaft is used and a arm bolts to the front of the rear differential and is mounted in rubber on the side of the tailhousing on the trans. some people move the tailhousing mounting location to the transmission crossmember also.....just something to possably look at.

[baz]

danger alert

danger alert

danger alert


danger alert

J is in the house


hi man how you doing ?





b.o.t.



if you want to change it you will need to fit a 5 link rear end kit from some thing like a camero or mustang , no where near as cheap as a referb on yours unless the new engine has some ower to it and then you may want a new rear end to take the torque

[guyopel]

You can go to one of the Buick sites that have the 50's and 60's Buicks's and some of these guys have gone to "Open Drivelines " from "Torque Tube or closed Drivelines " But at great expense and labor and this was done by experienced welders and fabricators and this took time and talent and not a "weekend project " for someone just starting to learn how to weld or not up to date on Alignment of Automobiles. HTH
John