I'm trying to determain if I have an original torque tube in my '39 1/2 ton. It measures 60" wide from hub to hub on the outside which is 2" wider than the front axle. The tires are tight to the fenders. The length seems normal but that could have been shortened. The spring perches also center on the axle and direct bolt to the springs unlike my AD which has a hinge system which offsets from the axel center. Is ther any difference between a '39 and '40?

sounds like you've got a later axle from a late '40s car or a 47-54 truck. do the brake drums look the same as the ones on the front? i could be wrong but i didn't think any of the torque tubes were bolted directly to the springs. i always thought they were hinged. sounds like something mickey mouse to me. if you're driving it, how does it go? OK? i hope someone else more knowlegable will post, i'm really curious about this.
robert.

Robert- Thanks for the imput. I wanted to add that this axle also has a stack of leaf springs on top as a overload system and the pads that bolt to the frame are a little behind the contact point of the leafs leading me to believe that somethings been changed. I dont think it is AD or car; possibly 41-46 or even something from the 30's.

My 37 1/2 ton has "overloads" like that, so there definately 30s. I'll check the mounting & let ya know etc.

Good luck,