‘39 Fordor Torque tube seems blocked

[Mark P]

On my 39 Fordor I am trying to reconnect the torque tube to the U-joint at the back of the transmission. The torque tube seems blocked somehow. It will not freely move all the way to the u-joint. It looks like the torque tube needs to go about an inch farther than I have been able to get it to go. I do have the car jacked up. As I sit at the back of the car, I can see the torque tube top all the way clearly. What is it catching on? The rear spring and shocks have Been removed.

[Kube]

Did you remove the speedometer driven gear?

Are you 100% certain the splines are aligned on the shaft / u-joint?

[19Fordy]

On my 40 I found I had to use to tapered pieces of would between the floor pan and frame on each side of the torque tube to give adequate clearance for the torque tube bell to slide forward. The alignment process can be tedious when doing it by yourself. Keep your fingers clear of universal joint pinch points between the universal joint and drive shaft spline. I also found that the bottom of the torque tube will rub against the frame during alignment process making it more difficult to slide forward. If you place thin pieces of wood or something smooth under the rear drums to raise the entire torque tube it will align better and be easier to move forward. Also, try installing rims without tires- easier to roll. With tires would be nice but can't jack car up high enough unless you have a lift. Not safe. Friction is not your friend. Be patient and it will go in. MAKE SURE TO HAVE PAPER GASKETS AND SEALS IN PLACE BEFORE ASSEMBLY. Easier if you have a helper. If it turns into a struggle wait a day and try again when you are fresh.

[Mark P]

Should the transmission be a neutral?

[Mark P]

Correction: tranny in neutral ?

[rotorwrench]

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It would make it easier to align the U-joint.

[Step-down]

In the past I've Used a nylon ratchet strap to hold the torque tube in height , tranny in N .
Wrap another ratchet strap around the rear banjo and hook the other end to the cross member and slowly tighten the strap and the tube will walk forward . Line the spline to U joint with piers. We have all done this two man job by ourselfs ,it's not getting any easyer .
Just finished hooking up my AV8 .

[Jack E/NJ]

In the past, I vaguely recall laying flat on my back with each foot placed firmly on either side of the banjo. Then alternately pumping each leg with vigor till it just slipped right in there. 8^) Jack E/NJ

[Mark P]

I just bought and tried a new ratchet strap, but it seemed overwhelmed. Perhaps a bigger strap and bigger pulley.

The u joint and tube splines seem level, and the splines are approximately a quarter inch in the u joint. But it is not moving into place fully. Ideaa?

[Ken/Alabama]

I would pull it back apart and remove the u-joint then try to slide it on the driveshaft to check the fit . It should easily slide on without force.

[Terry,OH]

Is the bolt that holds the U-joint to the transmission shaft seated and tight? Do make sure there is no obstruction like a socket. The spline inside the joint and the driveshaft spline should be lubed. I agree with Ken pull the joint and try it on the driveshaft.