Problem attaching 32 torque tube to transmission

va t

Member
A 32 torque tube bell cap is 1" short of contacting transmission. What gives? Is spring at fault? I REALLY do not want to redo spring & shackles AGAIN!!!
Another thing worth mentioning is the torque tube is low in front.

Forcing things will put strain on shackles, spring, & bell. If spring could be rotated in crossmember to raise torque tube, the axle assembly would move forward as well.

Careful disk grinding of spring pack edges at rear upper and front lower & a tapered spring insulator on top plus some filing of the rear edge of center bolt square hole just might work.

It did work--bell cap fit on easily. locks & nuts installed and no unwelcome stresses on shackles.

If this helps anyone, great.
 
Interesting write up and yes the spring has to have a somewhat loose fit going into the cross-member. Build up, rust, etc in that area would cause an issue.
 
Attach the front of the torque tube before you put the spring into the crossmember. If it's all stock parts, you shouldn't have to grind anything.
 
I seem to recall something similar with Chris in his '32? PU, maybe someone can confirm, two different torque tube lengths between V8's and 4 cyl maybe?
 
I seem to recall something similar with Chris in his '32? PU, maybe someone can confirm, two different torque tube lengths between V8's and 4 cyl maybe?

Not with a '32. In a '33/4 there were different length torquetubes for the V8 vs. the 4, but not in a '32. The early '32 TT shouldn't be bolted up to a later '32 rearend, and if somebody tried to they should notice the difference.
 
FWIW, I quoted this torque tube/drive shaft length DIFFERENCE between 4-cylinder and V8 equipped cars (below). Is it possible you're working with a 4-cylinder TT and drive shaft? See Below! DD

"For 1933-1934 Fords, regardless of what engine they had, 4 or V8, they were both built on exactly the same chassis & wheelbase. The difference in length is only in the Drive Shafts, to accommodate for the longer 4 cylinder engines.
The length of the Drive shaft in the V-8 = 60 5/32” while the Drive shaft in the 4 cylinder = 58 7/16”
It follows that the Tube on the 4 cylinder was shorter by same amount."
 
I believe the 4 Cyl is different length than a V 8 AND HOPEFULLY SOMEONE WIL CONFIRM THE DIFFERENCE. Sorry for caps. kx
 
Don't know that much about '32s, but I think I remember reading that the '32 spring has an arch in it and is not straight when looking from side to side like later models.
 
alchemy
I considered attaching bell cap first, but felt sure getting spring into crossmember would have required force which would have put strain on both spring and shackles.
 
Regarding the early (no straddle mount bearing) rear axle assembly the green bible shows only one drive shaft B-4605. But two torque tubes are shown B-4504 and 18- 4504. No dimensions are stated. This is new to me.

Hopefully a 32 expert can chime in on this.
 
32 should be the same length. 33/34 had different length. Everytime I have the rear end or transmission out of my truck. I have to use a come along to get the torque tube mated up to the bell properly. I think it is the spring. I just sinch it up, bolt up the clam and she's good to go. Been like that for years
 
While the length for the Torque Tubes vary in length depending on whether the car has the 4 cylinder engine or V8 engine in 33/34 Fords, I believe that for 32, they are both the one length. The Torque Tube mates up to the Gear Box at the centre "K" Member. This K Member is in the same position on all 32 Ford Chassis. On this basis, the Torque Tubes would both be the same length.
 
The green bible (28-48) indicates the 18-4504 torque tube is for the late 1932 rear axle having the fluted center section 18-4025. Thanks for all input.
 
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