So I need to shorten the torque tube on my AV8 project. I've done all the research but have one question, the torque tube/driveshaft is out of a 1942 Ford coupe and has a center bearing that falls right where I need to remove material. It's going from 72" to approximately 51", will eliminating that bearing be a problem? Its still retaining the bearing up front at the speedo gear just loosing the center bearing.
Just a question, why does it need to be cut there as opposed to a different location? I’m sure you have a reason. So please don’t take this as questioning what you’re doing
Below it there is room but puts the bearing right at the mounting flange to the diff, and not enough room above it to where the tube tapers. Maybe I should post some pictures.
Might have to dig a bit but I recall this being discussed before. If I remember correctly , the take home was that the inner bearing could be removed without issue. Sorry I don’t have a link handy
you should not cut in the middle of the tube, you will not get it straight. Cut at the weld near the rear flange. An Av8 is short enough wheel base that a center bearing is not needed.
Contact Cory Taulbert in Detroit. He runs an ad in Hop Up about doing torque tubes and early drive shafts. Contact info. ctaulbert@hotmail.com 816-560-1141 He's the best.
The purpose of the bearing is to eliminate driveshaft whip, which can be a problem on longer driveshafts. Its why a lot of longer vehicles and trucks have a center, or multiple center bearings. Like @rusty valley said, you're shortening it enough to where it shouldn't be a problem.
I’ve done a couple and always remove as rearward as possible by the rear end. Allows me to throw the back flanged part on my lathe and make a face cut to square it up and I do a light face cut on the gasketed face while I’m at it. That being said the center the center support is irrelevant in a short TT. There’s not enough length to really get whip like the support is there to prevent.
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