Thread: Welding brackets to axle tubes without bending them

Tweet

No matter what scenario I come up with, there is always someone ready to step up to the plate and say "Ya can't do that"----And your right---In your world, probably you can't. However, in my world, I generally can. And I have. And I will keep on doing it, because I am a smart old S.O.B. who has been doing these things successfully for over 40 years now. I post things that I know---not things that I speculate, or have heard other people talking about, or have read about somewhere.---If ya don't want to take my advice, thats all right too.

Any one would be a fool to do something "because the guy on the internet said to do it".The beauty of this place is that you get different points of view,and maybe you see something you didn't see before.Don't take it as a insult to your intelegnece because someone(I) questions you.You should always keep your mind open for new ideas .Just cause you did something one way for forty years doesn't mean theres no room for improvemnet ,theres always room for improvement.I question because I want it explained to me,not to insult you.For me I take information I get here analize it ,and make my own conclusion.I would be sad for someone to not have any ideas and just take your word for.I am not trying to insult anyone ,but I do have my own questions.Isn't that what this place is supposed to be about?Now back to the rear end (brackets)thread its a good one ,keep it going.


I am questioning also becasue I am currently deciding on going to a 9" rear end instead of the 12 bolt.I am going to have to cut all the brackets off of the ford rear ,and install chevy brackets.So I question.

Two things are indisputable:

1) Welding heat warps and pulls steel

2) The PERFECT way to weld stuff on to a rear axle is to mount it on a jig, and then true it when done.

Now, that being said, I think Brian has a point. Although I am not a great welder, I have welded spring perches, shock mounts, etc onto various rearends over the years, without using a jig, or retruing the rear axle. I have yet to have a bearing failure or significant misalignment problem because I weld a little, then stop. Then I move to the other side, and stop. By doing so, the heat doesn't build up too high, and warpage is minimumized.

There is always the perfect world and the real world. The things we do in our home garages are sometimes not ideal, but work. That, I think is the point Brian was trying to make. I am not so sure even factory housings are dead on, especially after bouncing down the road for years. They have to deflect somewhat and deform.

JMO,


Don