Torque Tube ?

gricec · 12-08-2011, 12:54 PM

I am in the process of reinstalling a new well used torque tube as my was bent.

I got the new torque tube from a junk yard and when they removed it from the car for some reason they moved the driveshaft within the tube a couple of inches. Before I installed it in my car I realigned the tube too the factory specs which are 49mm +- .5mm from the end of the driveshaft to the bellhousing on the transmission end.

I am installing the tranny today and it seems that the drive shaft is still maybe a couple of mm out on the tranny end and the tranny shaft is coming into contact with the driveshaft meaning that I cannot get the tranny aligned with the mounting bolts.

I have read that I can tap the end of the driveshaft slightly to rectify this.

However if I do this is it possible to tap it too far and then have the coupler bolts not align properly or would the pilot bearing only allow the shaft to travel as far as it needs to.

Anyone done this before and have any tips. Its not something I want to do incorrectly

Eric_Oz_S2 · Eric_Oz_S2's Garage

I installed the trans then had to lever the shaft in a little further so the coupler bolts lined up with the "flat" or non grooved sections of the shaft. I was able to do this with a small crowbar or screwdriver. Because I used a rebuilt TT, not a used one, mine was relatively easy to manoeuvre in place.

Just go slowly and you should be OK. I wouldn't be concerned about pushing top far into the clutch end, more so about pushing too far so the coupler bolts don't align.

gricec · 12-08-2011, 01:08 PM

Thanks for the quick reply.

Currently I cannot get one the transmission mount bolts to go in as it seems the drive shaft is touching the input shaft on the transmission. It is almost there though so I guess Ill tap it a little bit and that will fix it. Its probably out by less than a couple of mm.

So is it possible to tap it too far in and not have the coupler align?

Eric_Oz_S2 · Eric_Oz_S2's Garage

Yes - you can go too far. There is a small gap at the clutch end IIRC.

I managed to align mine when everything but the coupler was installed using a lever. You can bolt the coupler to the TT end and lever off that so that the trans end bolt aligns with the gap in the splines.

chills2 · 12-12-2011, 07:11 AM

I have a newly rebuilt driveshaft tube from 944 Ecology. I paid $600 for it and never used it. Make me an offer. you can call or email me 978-836-8855 or chill@corpmech.com

Thanks

89-944NA · 89-944NA's Garage

I had the same problem, and had to tap the TT shaft in so that I could mount the trans. Remember that the shaft will only go in a bit, since the pilot bearing will stop forward movement. Once the trans is installed, you may need to pry the TT shaft back toward the trans to get the proper alignment for the bolts on the connecting collar.

Simple answer, YES, the pilot bearing will stop forward movement of the TT shaft. Tap the shaft lightly, don't go getting all medieval on the thing or you may damage the pilot bearing.

DumbDog · 12-12-2011, 09:22 PM

Wow, thats funny I have the same problem. Im looking for one too.

gricec · 12-13-2011, 05:52 AM

Thanks for the replys.

I managed to get a used tube for 125 shipped - which i think is the deal of the century from a junk yard near me. The bearings seem in great conditon too.

I did end up tapping the drive shaft a little and i got the transmission on. It was a bit of an ordeal with no help and only a floor jack, but I did it. The coupler went on really easily too which was nice.

I just have to put the axles back on and I should be good to go!