Figured it was more likely to be addressed in the engine swap forum. Did a search, and I think I found the answer, but the context was always in regards to another question, so I wasn't quite sure.

First. -T56 and T5 share the same tailshaft bracket/bushing? Correct?
Second - 1985 through 2002 share the same torque arm? Correct?
Finally - It would then seem that if I got a T56 and the factory mounting bracket, the stock thirdgen torque arm would work with it, correct?

By all means, PLEASE correct if I'm wrong.

 

You are correct. You can 100% run the stock stamped torque arm with a T56 (with F-body tailhousing). You could always get a crossmember that relocates the mount away from the trans to widen your options (Magnum trans).

 

That's what I've got,.......... I seem to remember having to trim/grind the Thirdgen T5 EXHAUST hanger a little,. but the Torque Arm mount and Torque Arm are bolt on and go parts !

** I know this wasn't mentioned - but just in case: The stock Cross-member will not work.

 

OK, just so we're all on the same page, I'm very well versed in the torque arms, the different mounts, crossmember options, etc. etc., in general terms. I am NOT overly educated in T56 specific options. What prompted this question was that UMI told me I'd need one of their short arms with their weld in arm/mount which is located a bit closer to the rear than the crossmember. I'm not a fan of this option, and would prefer a more traditional approach. To be fair, I think they misunderstood my question, as they have always been spot on with their application advice.

My thinking is that one of their (or anyone's) tailhousing mount torque arm would fit the current 700r4, but allow for adjustment in pinion angle when/if the car is lowered. If and when I swapped in a T56, I could use the same adjustable torque arm.

 

Again you are correct in your assumptions. UMI does not make/sell a torque arm relocation crossmemeber, which was probably the source of confusion. The weld in option is a typical tactic when installing an aftermarket rearend which requires a specific torque arm (usually part of the rear end package). For you, the stock one will work. Or a regular adjustable unit from any of the suspension manufacturers will work. I know many cars that run this way.

 

I think a stock style torque arm will slip into the stock bushings on an F-body T56 trans. No need for a relocated torque arm mount unless you want to get the load off the trans tail housing.

I would avoid the UMI mid-length torque arm. It's wonderfully made but the ground clearance is atrocious. I don't think I even lived with it for a year before it got cut out of the car. It was ridiculous.

 

Thanks for the responses guys. ...at one point years ago I had a Spohn Crossmember mounted arm on my red 89, and man was it noisy! ....the last several years I had been running that UMI trans mount arm,with a stock rubber bushing. Every bit as quiet as stock, and still enough control for my "street" only driving. ....sounds like that very same UMI trans mount arm will serve my purposes again.