Vintage work crew photos

[hemmjo]

And What does a Torque Tube actually do? Does the Driveshaft sit inside the Tube? Would Modern Cars benefit from haveing this??

Not sure where this question came from, but...early vehicles used leaf springs for suspension. On acceleration, the rear axle would try to twist (torque) upward as the pinion tries to climb up the ring gear. The leaf springs had trouble resisting this twist. During braking, the axle would try to twist downward. The drive shaft was inside the ridgid torque tube. The tube was attached securely to the rear axle and the engine/transmission. The tube served as a long lever which transferred the torque forward to prevent the axle from twisting on acceleration or braking. The tube makes servicing the drive train more difficult, they are also not strong enough for heavy duty applications.

Many installed "ladder bars" on 1960's "muscle cars" to prevent the leaf springs from "wrapping" up when drag racing. They are still used today in many applications. Modern cars have totally different suspension systems would not benefit from a torque tube. If you look at heavy trucks, you will see solid bars leading forward from the axle to resist the twisting action.

Last (only) car I had with a torque tube was a '53 Chevy. I bought it for $25.00, because a guy told me the transmission would fit my '60 chevy. It did not run, so we towed it home with a rope, then discovered the transmission would not work. One of my first really stupid ideas. My dad was sure mad when he got home. But I learned from the experience.