Modified Torque Tube & Strengthened Shaft

Having decided to build a new 2.4l engine for 2000, I decided that I had better strengthen the transmission system.

Instead of installing a 5 link axle system, I decided to try a modification suggested by Gerry Johnstone (of Bleidenstein fame).

It consists of replacing the torque tube front rubber mounting with a solidly mounted spherical bearing.  As the axle moves up or down, the front of the torque tube can rotate in the spherical bearing.  It can also slide forwards and backwards inside the spherical bearing.  This modification means that the front of the torque tube can no longer move up or down, due to changes in load, or from side to side during cornering.

At the same time, the torque tube shaft was strengthened.  This was done by welding an outer sleeve to the original shaft.  The bushings were used to ensure that the sleeve stayed in the correct position during welding.  This means that the shaft should no longer replicate a skipping rope when under load.

Conclusion

I can now actually feel the rear tyre load up when cornering, and the car holds on longer before it loses grip at the rear.  Previously it was much harder to know when the car would start to slide.  When accelerating, the rear of the car does not rise up so much as it used to do, but I can't say that it has increased my start line acceleration.

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