Torque tube gasket design

[Milton]

I'm about ready to connect the torque tube to the banjo. Looking at the gasket it has the required six bolt holes and a notch in it. What is the notch for? How should it be oriented? Any clues will be gratefully accepted.

 

[Kevin in NJ]

Throw gasket in the trash. Not used on the Model A.



The torque tube prevents the double bearing race from moving. By adding in the gasket you now give it room to move. You need to be sure you have removed all nicks and burrs so the two parts sit tight.

A shim may be required if by some odd chance you have to put a shim at the other end of the race to get the gear pattern proper. Then you would have to shim the tube the same distance.

 

[Milton]

The torque tube prevents the double bearing race from moving. By adding in the gasket you now give it room to move.

Not exactly, the gasket fits over the double cone edge, between the cone/banjo surface and the tube flange. That would seem to prevent any additional room for the race to move.

 

[Tom Endy]

My understanding is that Ford did not originally use a gasket between the banjo flange and the torque tube flange. They are available now and they will prevent an oil drip at this location. Some amount of oil can find its way through the pinion bearings into the area where the banjo and the torque tube connect. The gasket should be positioned so that the notch is at the bottom so that the oil can drain back. I install one on every rear axle assembly rebuild I do.

Tom Endy