have any of you nailhead guys ever seen a 401 with a 3 speed manual trans?

Discussion in ''Da Nailhead' started by garybuick, Jun 12, 2016.

  1. JayZee88

    JayZee88 Well-Known Member

    A torque tube in a nutshell is the 'old way' manufacturers built drivelines. Its a strong hollow tube that bolts the rear end to the rear of the transmission with the driveshaft being enclosed inside. That allows the force pushing the car forward to be exerted through the transmission and engine instead of through leafsprings or trailing arms. Buick held on to this design up to 1960 (later then most domestic brands). By what I saw how they are designed they are a very rigid and durable. I would note though that it makes maintenance of driveline components more difficult. The reason I converted mine to a open driveline was so I could use a th400 behind my 364. If you stay with the torque tube you are stuck using either the dynaflow or 3 speed manual transmission. I have heard it changes the dynamics of the suspension load (road feel when driving), but can't confirm this through personal experience.
     
  2. nailheadnut

    nailheadnut Riviera addict

    The synchromesh transmission was standard equipment on all LeSabres built in '63 (the only year for which I have info) but I imagine that by this time, most everyone would want the optional Dynaflow.

    If anyone is interested, here's a link from the AACA's Buick forum that shows the parts for sale from a C10 Chevy pickup to put an open drive line in a '56 era Buick.

    http://forums.aaca.org/topic/275635-1956-open-driveline-conversion/

    Ed
     

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