Unlike a standard open driveshaft that uses universal joints to handle movement, a torque tube system houses the driveshaft inside a hollow steel tube.
: Early Fords and Buicks were famous for using "closed drive" torque tube systems before open driveshafts became the industry standard. Maintenance & Common Issues tube tranny
: Because the tube is rigid, it also helps locate the rear axle, often allowing for simpler rear suspension setups like those found in older Buicks or modern performance cars. Notable Vehicle Examples Unlike a standard open driveshaft that uses universal
: These front-engine Porsches utilized a transaxle and torque tube for near-perfect 50/50 weight balance. keep these points in mind:
If you are working on a tube tranny setup, keep these points in mind: