Remove torque tube without dropping rear cradle ..?

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Aug 6, 2023 | 09:27 AM

_c5ghost

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3rd Gear

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From: Northeast U.S.

Remove torque tube without dropping rear cradle ..?

I pulled the stock ls6 after it dropped a valve & ate itself. Was able to separate the bellhousing from the torque tube with no issues. I’d like to rebuild the tt while I’m building the new engine in the mean time. Is it possible to remove the tt from the trans without removing the entire rear cradle? The goal would be to remove the tt and only the tt! If I can save myself the time and leave the rear cradle untouched..

Aug 6, 2023 | 01:41 PM

yellow2007

Melting Slicks

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From: Conyers Georgia

I think the rear cradle removal was based on the engine remaining in the car so since yours is out I wouldn't think the cradle needs to be dropped.

Aug 7, 2023 | 08:19 AM

feeder82

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From: Wisconsin

I don't think it will work, it probably won't clear the tunnel without lowering

Aug 7, 2023 | 08:56 AM

schmuckingham

Pro

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From: Ohio

Wont work. The rear "bell housing" on the TT hits the tunnel way before it comes off the splined shaft, rear cradle has to be removed.

Aug 7, 2023 | 10:08 AM

HardcoreABN

Drifting

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From: De Pere, WI

you would need to remove the rear "trunk".

Aug 8, 2023 | 10:49 AM

RonSSNova

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From: Portland OR

I tried it with the engine out, it’s a no go.

Aug 8, 2023 | 03:18 PM

grinder11

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Quote:

Originally Posted by RonSSNova

I tried it with the engine out, it’s a no go.

Ron, can you lower the front of the tube where it attaches to the engine? I ask because I dont know. I do know there is some "give" in the rear suspension and cradle that allow the front of the tube to lower a couple inches. I did this when I removed my engine the first time when I did it the old school way with a cherry picker. There was virtually no way to access the bolts holding the engine to the tube. So I VERY SLOWLY lowered the assembly an inch or 2 in order to access those 5 (?) bolts. This was on my A4 C5. Or, isn't an inch or 2 enough?