what part is this and what is its function?

[lordmundi]

i'm trying to track down this part. I've seen it listed on ebay as a "toque Tube Support Brace" and other similar things but I'm not sure if that is a correct description because the geometry just doesn't suggest it actually interacts with the torque tube (at least to me anyways). Here is a picture:



Actually the best way to see it is at about 1:07 in this video... this guy calls it a brace and you can see him remove it, but he also has the same suspicion as me I think. He says in the video it may be more for the body than the torque tube:

https://youtu.be/FB7SME8ofd8?feature=shared&t=57

When looking through the parts diagrams, I can't find this brace. I need to make a 3D model of it, but I was hoping to first figure out what it is called and hopefully what it is for. In my project, I don't have a torque tube so it if is really meant to hold the torque tube as some descriptions might suggest, then I wouldn't need it. But the shape of it just doesn't lead me to believe that is correct. I think it is more likely what this guy in the video says - a structural brace to keep the body from flexing/spreading.

Anyhow, if anyone knows what it is called and what the part number might be, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

[GregAmy]

It's kinda like a front strut-top brace..except for the rear of the car.

477 813 285, "Transverse strut, Seat well"

Illustration 801-20, p326 in the PDF.

[walfreyydo]

Like GregAmy said, its a rear chassis brace to the torque tube tunnel. Sits just forward of the torsion bar tube. Its important to keep the chassis from flexing so I would absolutely recommend you keep it. I think its also a safety device in that there are ears on the later model torque tubes which will hit this brace and keep the entire trans/torque tube/engine assembly from being pushed out the front of the car in a major rear end collision.

When working on the clutch, it also supports the torque tube allowing you to slide it backwards while letting it sit on this brace, when the trans is removed.

[lordmundi]

Originally Posted by GregAmy

It's kinda like a front strut-top brace..except for the rear of the car.

477 813 285, "Transverse strut, Seat well"

Illustration 801-20, p326 in the PDF.

Awesome! thanks so much. I just couldn't find it in there. But there it is! Appreciate the reply.

[lordmundi]

Originally Posted by walfreyydo

Like GregAmy said, its a rear chassis brace to the torque tube tunnel. Sits just forward of the torsion bar tube. Its important to keep the chassis from flexing so I would absolutely recommend you keep it. I think its also a safety device in that there are ears on the later model torque tubes which will hit this brace and keep the entire trans/torque tube/engine assembly from being pushed out the front of the car in a major rear end collision.

When working on the clutch, it also supports the torque tube allowing you to slide it backwards while letting it sit on this brace, when the trans is removed.

Thanks for that info. Appreciate it.

[lordmundi]

now that i know what this is called, if anyone comes across this post and has info for a 3d model for it, or just has some accurate measurements for the hole spacing and stuff, that info would be appreciated. In the meantime I'll try to measure it myself and do my best! Thanks again for the help!

[Monkey Wrench]

I think often cars have a part like that, I believe in a volvo its basically part of the frame, and there is a center bearing there with rubber mounts.. 3 U joints in that case. the structure around the axle at the center U joint is built extremely tough. It can't be removed,as a part, its part of the unibody construction. Ive seen a similar arrangement in a cyanne SUV a friend had a bad center bearing. rubber deteriorated. shook like crazy because it sort of causes a flexible bend there which means some extreme out of balance. my 1966 volvo 122 had similar issues until I got it to just the right height and balanced well. I shortened the driveshaft by 11 inches, to incorporate overdrive. in the 944 they solved it by containing the whole affair then used the torque tube bearings. the bearings might go but I dont think they can flap around the same.

should the driveshaft, or in this case torque tube snap it might wan to flap around or cause similar, like to do a pole vault. so it might help keep the driveshaft under the car and contained. maybe to keep it from punching through the fuel tank. and for structure.

it is likely the last part anyone wants from a car that is being disassembled.

The ford "Pinto" was famous for this, in an accident, the driveshaft could punch through the fuel tank and cause a spectacular fuel fire upon impact. dragsters might have some containment as a broken U joint is more likely, they might pole vault on the axle if it hits the ground, or similar. they are obviously stressing the axle to extremes. probably a reason why racers use fuel cells.

I knew a guy that was a hero growing up , he pulled some people out of a car where the gas tank ruptured and had the deformed face to prove it. brave soul.

[lordmundi]

thanks for sharing that info Monkey Wrench! Good to know.

[Stoneguy]

Here's a good picture of it when I had my rear suspension out.

[lordmundi]

Originally Posted by Stoneguy

Here's a good picture of it when I had my rear suspension out.

Great picture. Here is my attempt at a 3d model of it: