'55 Buick Torque Ball

[apb]

Can someone help me with how to install the torque ball on my '55 Buick Special?

I think I understand (finally) how it is all susposed to go together but I can't seem to get the rear end to go back far enough to install the torque ball as the drive shaft is in the way. I managed to get the inner cup and U joint in place but the rest of it seems impossible.

I can't move the rear axle back any further because the spring is hitting the panhard rod mount on the curb side.

The wheels are currently on the ground so if I raise the back of the car up I might get a little more room but I seem to need several inches.

Just when I thought I was making progress!

[old-tank]

Remove the shock links at the frame and the panhard bar, then get the wheels off the ground. This will get you enought room to do anything to the torque ball or remove the transmission. Also be sure your emergency brake is detached.

Willie

[apb]

Thanks Willie,

I already pulled the shock links but was afraid I would have to drop the rear of the trans.

I'll get the rear end up and see if I can get it done.

[apb]

OK some progress. I got the torque ball on and snugged up. Now how do you get the drive shaft to mate up with the U-joint spline?

The rear end is being held back by a comealong and has some tension from the springs. I managed to get the shaft in contact with the U-joint and my rotating the tire could see the u-joint turn but the splines were not engaged. I put the trans in park and the drive shaft turned the u-joint did not but could not get the splines engaged.

This seems like it's going to be a major goat rope. Somewhat akin to herding cats.

Please tell me someone has figured out a slick way to do this.

[Bhigdog]

I do it just the way you are except I loosen the come along a bit so it's got just a bit of "push" against the trans spline. Have a helper turn the wheels while you align the splines straight. You should see and sometimes feel when they engage....Sometimes it takes a minute sometimes about 2 beers............Bob

[apb]

That's what I expected.

I found my problem.

The U-joint is not the correct part! The driveshaft has 16 splines but the spline in the U-joint is much finer. I didn't count but maybe 32 splines.

Now where to find the correct U-joint.

[Bhigdog]

Kanter has new (rebuilt) ones but at a steep price $215. Failing that try Wheatbelt Buick.......Bob

[apb]

I just saw that. I also saw what seems to be the correct part on nos list at cars for $149.

I may be able to get one from the fellow who sold me the car. That's where I got the wrong one. He's in the process of looking.

[Bhigdog]

Good luck. They don't seem to wear out so a junk yard may also work, but what a pain to remove.......Bob

[apb]

Well that's encouraging news. I'd rather not pay $200+ but it's not the end of the world.

[apb]

Got the correct U-joint and it went right together. I even did it by myself.

Only a few more things to clean up and it should be fucntional.

Thanks to all who responded.