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which torque tube do I have?

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Old Sep 2, 2017 | 02:21 PM
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Default which torque tube do I have?

I've been reading threads for the past 2 hours and can't find what I'm looking for. I have a 2001 C5 with a build date of 10/2000. Is there a way I can verify if I have the 10mm or 12mm internals without taking the assembly apart?
My understanding is that you can have the welded rear housing and still have the 10mm internal components (rather than the upgraded 12mm stuff). I'd like to know ahead of time so I can have the parts here for the install. Is there a part number on the torque tube that will differentiate which model/components I have?

Thanks for any help!
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Old Sep 2, 2017 | 04:25 PM
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All C5 A4 cars (unless modified) are 10mm couplers. 1997-2000 M6 cars are 10mm. 2001-2004 Manuals are 12mm.
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Old Sep 2, 2017 | 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by CactusCat
All C5 A4 cars (unless modified) are 10mm couplers. 1997-2000 M6 cars are 10mm. 2001-2004 Manuals are 12mm.
I appreciate that, but I'm afraid you may not have read my post or are not as educated as I am perhaps. There have been several documented cases of 2000 year models with the newer torque tube and the older internals - that alone is my entire concern. I have a 2001 manual trans with a build date of 10/2000.

To be clear, it has been confirmed that there are 2000 model year cars with the newer torque tube externals and older 10mm internals. My question is how can I determine if I have the 10mm or 12mm internals. This can NOT be determined by simply stating the year of the car.

Thank you,

Last edited by 96TTdodge; Sep 2, 2017 at 09:58 PM.
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Old Sep 2, 2017 | 10:16 PM
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Well then, that makes it pretty simple. Drop your torque tube cover and check....
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Old Sep 3, 2017 | 09:52 AM
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? Check what specifically?
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Old Sep 3, 2017 | 10:43 AM
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Since the stock answer isn't appropriate in your case (you've documented that there is some inconsistency in your model application - 2000 build date on a 2001 car), no one will be able to answer this question. That's why you couldn't find an answer anywhere. You have no choice but to drop it out and look. Sorry... I'd say the odds of you having the 12mm size is pretty good. It's not a specifically hard job, just takes a few hours.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...with-pics.html
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Old Sep 3, 2017 | 12:54 PM
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I was hoping there may be different part numbers on the torque tube that differentiate between the different assemblies over the years.
For example:
1st gen assembly with 10mm = part number 555555
2nd gen assembly with new tube & 10mm = part number 444444
3rd gen assembly with new tube and 12mm = part number 888888
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Old Sep 3, 2017 | 08:56 PM
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The only one that I know who might be able to answer that question is Gene at GM Parts Direct or Marc @ VetteNuts. GL in finding your answer.
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Old Sep 4, 2017 | 10:44 AM
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Originally Posted by 96TTdodge
I was hoping there may be different part numbers on the torque tube that differentiate between the different assemblies over the years.
For example:
1st gen assembly with 10mm = part number 555555
2nd gen assembly with new tube & 10mm = part number 444444
3rd gen assembly with new tube and 12mm = part number 888888
Please let us know what you find out.
I'm still a little confused with the comment that some 2000 models had new style torque tubes with older style internals, so this could also apply to your 2001. Many times the change is for a model year not for the actual date of manufacturing. Our '99 was built in August '98 (actually it's "birth-date" is the same date as our anniversary!) but as far as I can tell our car has all the '99 features and not '98 features.
All that I've read was the same as CatusCat reported: 10mm for C5 A4s; 10mm for '97-'00 M6s; and 12mm for '01 and later C5 M6s - but this all addressed model year, not build dates.
As an aside, the parts dealers I could locate with replacement couplers or bolts all used 2001 (rather than VIN) as the switch date.
You may have uncovered an issue that could affect many members trying to freshen up the TT internals on a 2001.
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Old Sep 5, 2017 | 09:31 AM
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This should be obvious, but a 2001 built in the year 2000 is not a 2000 model year car.
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Old Sep 5, 2017 | 11:36 AM
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I have posted in here for over a decade and not heard of early 10mm couplers in the later design but it may have happened. You would have to disassemble and inspect.

RTK, RPM Transmissions, and Cultrag could likely verify if the 12mm housing ever came with 10mm internals

FYI for future searches, I believe the early torque tubes had bolts retaining the driveshaft but the 01+ had the massive snap ring.

Good pics of the early design:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...y-rebuilt.html

I and many others have replaced the early design with the 01+ torque. If you have an early car it could have been updated by a prior owner. It less common instances it is possible someone replaced a 12mm needing a rebuild with a 10mm housing, I believe the 10mm internals would slide in the 12mm housing but again would have to verify with RTK or RPM.

Last edited by 93Polo; Sep 5, 2017 at 12:03 PM.
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