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Hot Rods Technical, Has anyone adapted a TH350 to a 46 Ford torque tube?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Pewsplace, Jun 6, 2020.

  1. Pewsplace
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 2,795

    Pewsplace
    Member

    I didn't find much in my search efforts, but I know there has been a thread about adapting a GM Turbo 350 to a stock 46 Ford Wagon torque tube. Has anyone done this, if so I would appreciate any information? I know all the why would do this; so only the how-to. I want to maintain the stock super restored rear end and brakes but can no longer shift the manual transmission. I think Cory Taulbert may have written about this setup
    . Thanks for any info.
     
    Last edited: Jun 7, 2020
  2. Jalopy Joker
    Joined: Sep 3, 2006
    Posts: 31,174

    Jalopy Joker
    Member

    suggest that you include more info in title
     
  3. 5window
    Joined: Jan 29, 2005
    Posts: 9,514

    5window
    Member

    Include perhaps any information in the title. You may get initial hits, but without a hook, your post will disappear down the line quickly.
     
  4. My suggestion is convert to open drive on your current rearend. Talk to the guys at Hot Rod Works, they have all the parts you need. You will need to add something to supplement the radius rods to handle the torque reaction, once you lose the torque tube.

    Sent from dumb operator on a smart phone
     
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  5. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 30,755

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    I fixed the title for you..... but you are probably better off changing the rear axle to open driveline. Or are you trying to save an existing columbia 2 speed rear?
     
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  6. Pewsplace
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 2,795

    Pewsplace
    Member

    Thanks, I know what I should do and have the parts but just checking how hard this conversion would be.
     
  7. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 55,931

    squirrel
    Member

  8. Stan Back
    Joined: Mar 9, 2007
    Posts: 2,178

    Stan Back
    Member
    from California

    This is an early Hydramatic coupled to a Cyclone quick change – 50+ years ago. I had it for decades and never had problems with the conversion. (I did break a lot of Ford axle, ring & pinion and quick change parts.) In the conversion, the driveshaft had to be shortened. The guys at Scotty's Muffler cut it to the new length, ground where the splines would be, slipped it in the coupler and just welded it. It never broke.

    2nd Chassis copy 2.jpg
    The transmission was already converted to the Ford U-joint spline and output housing and it bolted up normally with the 180º Ford coupler halves.

    I understand what you're trying to do. It'll take a little time to find someone to do it, but I don't think I won't work successfully for you.
     
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  9. I would assume since people have made an adaptor for a S10/Jeep T5 to a torque tube it can be done with the same auto trans.
     
  10. redo32
    Joined: Jul 16, 2008
    Posts: 2,137

    redo32
    Member

    Lynn, on the thread squirrel noted, Inlinner makes adaptors to fit the t5 in almost anything. He states
    . So there you go. Locate a S10 auto and use his adaptor.
     
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  11. Pewsplace
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 2,795

    Pewsplace
    Member

  12. Pewsplace
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 2,795

    Pewsplace
    Member

    Thanks for all the suggestions. I am going to look into the swap to determine the work involved as I really want to keep the old Ford rear and torque tube. I am easy driver and wouldn't break anything.
     
  13. Gman0046
    Joined: Jul 24, 2005
    Posts: 6,256

    Gman0046
    Member

    Changing to open drive is the only way to go. On my 46 Ford convertible used a 10 bolt Chevy rear end and a Chassis Engineering parallel rear spring set up.
     
    Last edited: Jun 8, 2020
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  14. Hnstray
    Joined: Aug 23, 2009
    Posts: 12,355

    Hnstray
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Quincy, IL

    @Pewsplace

    I am familiar with Ford chassis of that era and the TH series of GM automatics. It seems to me that you are focused on the coupling of whichever trans you choose to the torque tube. However a bigger problem, in my view, is the length and width of those trannies compared to the available space in the X member. THAT is, I think, your greater challenge and would require substantial frame modifications.

    An aluminum Powerglide would really improve the space issue and certainly be adequate for normal driving performance. Millions of Chevys of all sizes and power plants used them successfully.

    Ray
     
    Last edited: Jun 7, 2020
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  15. Pewsplace
    Joined: Feb 10, 2007
    Posts: 2,795

    Pewsplace
    Member

    Space is not a problem in 46-48 Ford chassis for the 350 trans. Minimal notching is required on the lower lip but the cradle remains in tack...no cutting.
     
    Hnstray likes this.

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