Flathead trans to banjo rear driveshaft/torquetube question

So I don't have much experience with Flatheads, early Ford rearends or transmissions. I am looking for info on what I should do here to connect these two. I think the rear is an open drive and the trans is a torque tube? What's the most efficient way to do this? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

Since you already have the body off and it's so easy to work on, convert the transmission to open driveline also. Try www.hotrodworks.com

 

My personal opinion is that it would be easier to fit a torque tube and enclosed driveshaft than it would be to rework your transmission with the '42-'47 Ford truck output shaft. Removal of the open drive adapter on your rearend would take about 2 minutes-plus you could flip itto somebody who really needs it. s

 

i would go with the torque tube. much easier to make work in my opinion.

 

Thanks, I'm guessing this is the kit that would fit?

http://www.hotrodworks.com/catalog/...p-n-1105-6-spline-open-drive-kit-1935-48.html

 

Thanks guys. I was also leaning towards the torque tube from a cost standpoint and suspension standpoint. But I'm open to suggestions, that's why I'm asking everyone's opinion.

 

That's the kit for the rear end. You need to get the kit to convert your transmission to open drive. I believe it's a main output shaft for the transmission and output casing.

If you plan on keeping the open rear end then you may be better changing the transmission to a S10 T5. I have a 39 Trans and torque tube rear in my Sport coupe I am building. But now I am looking at the S10 T5 again and open Banjo rear. Do a search there are plenty of articles on the conversion.

 

Read this info also: http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=88576&highlight=open+driveline+conversion

To convert the transmission to open driveline you need this;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1939-48-For...Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c6ecdb878&vxp=mtr

 

Torque tube for sure if you are keeping trans and rear. The obvious advantage is excellent suspension geometry and control, and if you are keeping the trans and rear open drive is silly. The reason to go with open drive is to go with stronger trans, more speeds, or cheaper rear, with rear suspension kludges being the cost there.

 

If you go with the torquetube, get those split wishbones connected back to the TT.

 

I just picked up a toploader with open drive so maybe open is now the way to go? Although I can make it work with the sideshift, the toploader will create more room in the cab.

So what are your thougths now? Open with toploader? Or closed with sideshift and torque tube?

 

Or third option, toss innards from sideshift into topshift case, screwitalltogether. Open drive top shifters and sideshift closed drives have between them ALL you need.

 

Agree with above post. I routinely run closed torque tubes and "78" case boxes. Use the late sideshift guts in a 78 case and a double detant, (7222) tower and you'll never be sorry. The torque tube gives you excellent suspension geometry and is very smooth and reliable. I love 'Em! As a bonus, the torque tube and closed shaft is the easyist to shorten for your app.

 

One more slight complication if you want to go open drive, it looks like you might need to modify your trans crossmember as the mounting ears on the open drive bearing retainer/rear mount thingy extend a little further towards the rear of the car, and might be a little closer together.