Ford Flathead Torque Tube Identification?

Ford1941

Ford1941

Member
Could somebody possibly help me determine the correct years of application for a Ford torque tube that I have? This tube is exactly 70" long (not 70 3/4"), has no bracket for the brake hose/service brake cable, and the mount for the radius rods is near the front of the torque tube (16 - 17" from the front). Based on this information, I know it will not fit a 41 - 48 Ford, but I am not sure what years it does fit. Thanks, Scott
 

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If no center bearing, looks like a 35-6... With center bearing, 37-40... I did not go to measure from my junk pile...
Karl
 
My torque tube does have a central bearing. Another thing it has that differes from the 41-48 torque tubes (that I am more familliar with) is a thicker-walled bearing in the front by the front seal and speedo gear. This front bearing is more solid than the "squeezable" ones that are used in the 41-48 torque tubes (and consequently, it was much more difficult to remove.

I, too, had heard this might be a 37-40 tube, but, I am surprised the the radius rods on a '40 would be located so different from the 41-48. I also thought that maybe the lack of a brake line bracket might have been linked to the lack of juice brakes prior to '39 (if my date is right). Scott
 
If I remember right, my 40 has an emergency brake bracket that attaches to the radius rod mount. 39/40 service brakes (the hydraulic bits) attach to the radius rods, not the torque tube. Other than that I have not checked the length, it looks like a 37-40 tube, with a central bearing to support the solid drive shaft.

Mart.
 
Ford1941 said:
My torque tube does have a central bearing. Another thing it has that differes from the 41-48 torque tubes (that I am more familliar with) is a thicker-walled bearing in the front by the front seal and speedo gear. This front bearing is more solid than the "squeezable" ones that are used in the 41-48 torque tubes (and consequently, it was much more difficult to remove.

I, too, had heard this might be a 37-40 tube, but, I am surprised the the radius rods on a '40 would be located so different from the 41-48. I also thought that maybe the lack of a brake line bracket might have been linked to the lack of juice brakes prior to '39 (if my date is right). Scott
Click to expand...

Radius rods for the 42-48(maybe 41) are alot shorter than the 37-40 style. I had to cut down a pair of 37 rods about 10-11 inches to fit my 32 frame, then I found a pair of 46's, and they would have fit great without cutting.
 
Some time ago, I measured a 35 - 36 torque tube: 69 15/16" long - essentially the same as your 70".
John
 
my '37 torque tube does not have a centre bearing of grease nipples from which the bearing would have been greased. It has a solid axel with the boss suggesting it should or could have a centre bearing but, the torque tube itself does not look like it had a centre bearing. Are ALL '37 passenger torque tubes equipped with a centre bearing?
 
Ford1941 said:
Could somebody possibly help me determine the correct years of application for a Ford torque tube that I have? This tube is exactly 70" long (not 70 3/4"), has no bracket for the brake hose/service brake cable, and the mount for the radius rods is near the front of the torque tube (16 - 17" from the front). Based on this information, I know it will not fit a 41 - 48 Ford, but I am not sure what years it does fit. Thanks, Scott
Click to expand...

Same length as '37-'40. '41 and later radius rods are much shorter (mount farther back on torque tube).

Coop

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Ford used a barrel shaped drive shaft that was hollow like a tube in the mid 30s. They changed over to a solid shaft in the late 30s and had to add the center bearing to prevent whipping of the shaft inside there.

Wait till you find a Mercury torque tube. Those will stump a lot of Ford guys due to the extra length.
 
As I've posted prior, . . . a post now and then to inform THOSE UNAWARE of the center bearing. I've posted my experience regarding a sudden horrendous screeching upon driving my '36 half ton the first time.
The grease fitting on the top of the torque tube, not viewable. Upon realizing & using this fitting, = a drop of grease ONTO the dry ruined bearing. (fortunately, the bearing is a common hdwe store bearing.) Henry's engineers didn't engineer access INTO the bearing. . . . thank you!
 
The center bearing is lubed through a Zerk on the bottom of the torque tube, which should be very visible. The original bearing is molded into a rubber collar and today is very hard to find with very high prices ($150.+). Skip Haney has a replacement for the bearing with a much more reasonable price.

Ford1941: Somewhere about 1937 Ford used a very different size front bearing and sleeve just to the rear of the U-joint and speedo turtle, in the torque tube. It appears that is what you have. There have been several posting here on fordbarn regarding this torque tube and it's bearing.
 
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