Welding on a mid 30's Ford Front Axle Question..

Ok o'guru's of metal I need some advice. Got an early mid 30's Ford front axle & wire wheels that was used on the trailer that brought my family from NW Iowa to the St Louis area back in 1959. I'm wanting to rebuild it into a trailer to pull behind Large Marge. The stock wire wheels were cut down & welded into 15" outer rims by a family member who was a blacksmith in the 50's and I have the spare tire hub cap w/the stock Ford key. Question is can the axle be safely welded on w/a wire or stick welder to mount spring perches to it. I know it had brackets welded on it some 40-50yrs ago but have no idea how one of dad's bro in laws had welded it...


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Don't take chances with the old axle by welding on it-get a new FORGED axle from ChassisEngineering in Iowahttp://www.chassisengineeringinc.com/forged-i-beam-axle-front-end-kit-1935-1940-ford/
You could use what ever wheels, etc you have and could weld or modify the axle if needed since its a forging-other companies are cast iron and I wouldn't weld on them

Jerry, it was built into a trailer in the 50's & I want to rebuild it.
NOT & NEVER will it be under a car/truck again, even the spindles have been welded to the axle.

All early Ford axles are forged, and have been welded on for years.

I agree that you should not weld on a cast axle, but I would have no concerns about welding on an early Ford axle.

Mick

since its a given that its forged-------weld on it with what ever welder you have-you might want to consider a spring bracket that has a shock mount

Quote:

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Originally Posted by lurker mick

All early Ford axles are forged, and have been welded on for years.

I agree that you should not weld on a cast axle, but I would have no concerns about welding on an early Ford axle.

Mick

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I agree with Mick, no concerns welding on a forged axle using whatever method you prefer from a metalurgy standpoint.

Thanks folks.......joe