Why bother w/ a torque tube at all/ Jus thav ea splined shaft made.
Shortening torque tube?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 1999
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From: Vernon Hills IL
Shortening torque tube?
Is it possible to shorten the torque tube, drastically, like nearly eliminating it? For use in a kit car.
Anyone know long long the torque tube is end-to-end, including the 'bells' on each end?
I'd like to put the engine behind the driver (mid-engine) without having to mate up to a gear box, even if I have to lengthen the chassis a little.
I guess if the torque tube was eliminated, replaced with just a driveshaft, with CVs on both ends, that would allow at least a little movement.
Jeff
Anyone know long long the torque tube is end-to-end, including the 'bells' on each end?
I'd like to put the engine behind the driver (mid-engine) without having to mate up to a gear box, even if I have to lengthen the chassis a little.
I guess if the torque tube was eliminated, replaced with just a driveshaft, with CVs on both ends, that would allow at least a little movement.
Jeff
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From: San Diego, CA "leaf" "tee" "e"
I don't know how long it it, but you're talking about having an extremely long wheelbase if you do it the way you just described. I prefer to have my head centered between the front and rear axles, and to keep that geometry, you're talking about adding 5-6 feet to the wheelbase...that'll require to you do more than "lengthen the chassis a little".
I suppose you're trying to save money by avoiding the cost of the Porsche transmission, but all the extra labor to weld aluminum and modify the frame and body is going to be very extensive, and unless you do all the work yourself, it will cost WAAAAY more money.
Also, the Porsche tranny is plenty strong for kit cars because they are so light....and it's not like the T56 is especially strong anyway...
I suppose you're trying to save money by avoiding the cost of the Porsche transmission, but all the extra labor to weld aluminum and modify the frame and body is going to be very extensive, and unless you do all the work yourself, it will cost WAAAAY more money.
Also, the Porsche tranny is plenty strong for kit cars because they are so light....and it's not like the T56 is especially strong anyway...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 165
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From: Vernon Hills IL
Yes, I have a FFR roadster. And I know what you mean, I have the same 9" driveshaft.
But this is not for that application. It's a custom chassis one-off. I want to push the driver cockpit way up and put the engine and drivetrain behind the driver without the expense of the porsche transaxle. The T56 is cheap.
Ah, it's not gonna happen is it? Oh well.
But this is not for that application. It's a custom chassis one-off. I want to push the driver cockpit way up and put the engine and drivetrain behind the driver without the expense of the porsche transaxle. The T56 is cheap.
Ah, it's not gonna happen is it? Oh well.
Last edited by jhilb; Dec 4, 2005 at 04:32 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Newark California
Not trying to be a smart ***, but if this is a fabrication job you can you, you wouldnt be asking. Sounds totally custom. Although if you plan on a c5 rear end a super short torque tube would relieve a lot of design headaches. With the couplers and bearing plates I doubt it could be less than a foot long.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 165
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From: Vernon Hills IL
No, your right, I personally cannot do it. I don't have the skills.
Question however, last one I promise, my design has taken a 180 turn.
How difficult to take about 4" out of the torque tube and would it be safe?
Question however, last one I promise, my design has taken a 180 turn.
How difficult to take about 4" out of the torque tube and would it be safe?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 256
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From: Newark California
Originally Posted by jhilb
No, your right, I personally cannot do it. I don't have the skills.
Question however, last one I promise, my design has taken a 180 turn.
How difficult to take about 4" out of the torque tube and would it be safe?
Question however, last one I promise, my design has taken a 180 turn.
How difficult to take about 4" out of the torque tube and would it be safe?
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From: Murphy TX
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Originally Posted by jhilb
No, your right, I personally cannot do it. I don't have the skills.
Question however, last one I promise, my design has taken a 180 turn.
How difficult to take about 4" out of the torque tube and would it be safe?
Question however, last one I promise, my design has taken a 180 turn.
How difficult to take about 4" out of the torque tube and would it be safe?
3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2016
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I'm about to give it a try, and I believe it will be with success.
My project will entail removing 14.5 inches of Torque tube length.
I have not been able to get anyone with guts enough to try, so: Necessity is the Mother of Invention ! !
The Prop shaft shouldn't be a problem, any driveshaft shop should be able to do that duty. The Tube, on the other hand, seems to scare off machine shops. I think mostly 'cause it's new territory to them.
If only I had the machinery !
In brief, and in theory, and for those who understand "plumbing"… Think of a 1" PVC coupler, now fabricate a coupler out of 5" + aluminum tubing or billet. 6061 alloyed aluminum is available in
6" tubing with .5" walls which nets a 5" inside diameter (same as OD
on the torque tube) Cut the Tube and re-couple together, & weld.
Now then, machinists, be sure you have a precision fit, and be sure to understand distortion factors while welding back together and execute accordingly !
My project will entail removing 14.5 inches of Torque tube length.
I have not been able to get anyone with guts enough to try, so: Necessity is the Mother of Invention ! !
The Prop shaft shouldn't be a problem, any driveshaft shop should be able to do that duty. The Tube, on the other hand, seems to scare off machine shops. I think mostly 'cause it's new territory to them.
If only I had the machinery !
In brief, and in theory, and for those who understand "plumbing"… Think of a 1" PVC coupler, now fabricate a coupler out of 5" + aluminum tubing or billet. 6061 alloyed aluminum is available in
6" tubing with .5" walls which nets a 5" inside diameter (same as OD
on the torque tube) Cut the Tube and re-couple together, & weld.
Now then, machinists, be sure you have a precision fit, and be sure to understand distortion factors while welding back together and execute accordingly !
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The torque tube in my car has been shortened 3.5" in order to install a TH400 transmission.
So, yes, it is most certainly possible to shorten the torque tube. How short you can get it will depend on how much space the internals require.
I believe RPM Transmission can shorten it for you. Or, as suggested, a local competent machine shop should be able to as well.
Good luck with your project!
So, yes, it is most certainly possible to shorten the torque tube. How short you can get it will depend on how much space the internals require.
I believe RPM Transmission can shorten it for you. Or, as suggested, a local competent machine shop should be able to as well.
Good luck with your project!
