JimV8

I understand that the tube contains the drive shaft but as it is ridgidly connected between the bellhousing and the transaxle does the tube itself have a function, as in controlling the twisting (torque) of the engine.

Charlotte944

Part of the torque tube's function is to provide a ceratain amount of rigidity to the drive train. A second function is to tranmitt the forces of a front end impact to the rear.

Porsche-O-Phile

It allows a place for the exhaust to hang off of and it is a self-contained assembly designed to offer just the right amount of "flex" in torsion to transfer the power effectively. I think that explaination is from the Haynes manual but I'll check it.

theedge

Protects the drive shaft itself, as that spins at engine RPM (ie, up to 7000RPM on chipped cars).

Its also part of the crash protection. Its mounted to the frame to prevent it moving straight back, so in a front impact it acts almost like a battering ram and prevents the engine from coming back into the passenger compartment.

Dave951M

Serves as the main method for locating the transaxle and allowing the driveshaft to transmit the torque through the tube.

xsboost90

eliminates the need for faulty driveshaft joints

keeps rear end/trans from transferring torque twist to rear/as does indep. suspension

makes changing the clutch a PITA>