Bolt in Torque Tube? (4 Viewers)

[wngrog]

Thread resurrection time.

I've run into a late-game issue with the torque-crossmember-tube thing on my '73. I'm fitting a 1HZ/H55 into a late '73 (mine is a crossover model with the later '74+ frame). When I test fit the powertrain, it cleared the cross member without any modification and, at the time, my thought was I could always lower the rear of the engine to service the transfer case, so I moved on to other things.

Months later, I'm now reinstalling the finished motor/trans assembly and the longer I've stared at that tube, the more I realize I'd be screwing myself if I leave it in the stock location. There is no way I can lower the rear end of the engine low enough to clear the transfer case (I've tried; the engine will hit the firewall first). I do not look forward to removing the entire drivetrain just to service the transfer case. So, now I need to make a decision.

Do I:

-Cut, relocate, and weld the tube ~5-6" rearward?
-Make the tube removable in the stock location with the use of a scab plate/bolts or the Camburg adapters?
-Just remove the tube altogether since I'm already using a frame crossmember under the 5 speed transmission?

Thoughts???

That’s where I am.

I did some searching and I am trying to decide what to do.

My torque tube can’t be indexed and rewelded. No room.

This truck die have a transmission crossmember for the 5 speed where most 40 series never had that.

I personally think with the h55 crossmember the need for the torque tube is overkill.

 

[charliemeyer007]

From what I have seen/read here on mud - you know what you are doing. If you think its excess I trust your judgement. You can always weld in some new metal if it looks like it needs it.

 

[wngrog]

From what I have seen/read here on mud - you know what you are doing. If you think its excess I trust your judgement. You can always weld in some new metal if it looks like it needs it.

I’m not sure exactly how I would know if I “need” it or not.

This model I’m working on has a gas tank that keeps me from doing another tube.

The only thing I could do is another lower frame level brace.

But I’m not sure it’s necessary.

 

[kudzugypsy]

because older 4wds have a transfer case that converts the power from the engine/ trans at a 90 degree 'bend' there is a lot of twist wanting to happen right there, esp in a tractor engine - i think the engineers had the tube as close to this twist point as possible.

 

[wngrog]

because older 4wds have a transfer case that converts the power from the engine/ trans at a 90 degree 'bend' there is a lot of twist wanting to happen right there, esp in a tractor engine - i think the engineers had the tube as close to this twist point as possible.

I’m sure 100% that there is a purpose but not sure if there is a need.