<VV> Corvair half shafts...

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In a message dated 10/31/04 6:08:09 PM Pacific Standard Time,  geoffj@unm.edu 
writes:

As long  as we are not totally on topic, could someone give me an 
explanation of  what  Torque Tube systems are?  Have heard the term numerous  
times but have never understood what or how they  worked.

Thanks
Geoff Johnson



Basically they were solid shaft (in the case of The General) inside a  hollow 
shaft. the hollow shaft was rigidly connected to the differential (no U  
joint) and there was an enclosed u joint at the front end of the hollow shaft  
with the joint enclosed in what they used to call a torque ball 
which allowed the up and down pivoting to provide for the movement of the  
suspension and lubricated by a slow infusion of oil from the tranny. I believe  
this may have caused transmission failures in vehicles not regularly 
maintained.  although the torque ball would not 
receive oil if the level were below the output shaft. So there would still  
remain "some" oil in
the tranny.
 
At least that was how my '54 Chevy was built. Buick, perhaps  others, used 
them until 1960 or 61 or thereabouts.
 
They were used by most, large production, auto makers through the 40s  and by 
GM longer 
than, probably, all the rest.
 
Corvair NEVER used them - Thus satisfying the need for the mandatory  Corvair 
content in 
EVERY post.
 
Tim  Abney



Proud Member of 
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