at what point (HP wise) should the axle tubes be welded to the chunk??
I have been running ladder bars with no issuse @300+hp and 500+ torque.. The truck now should be 450+hp and 950 torque.....

 

I don't think the 10.5 has much problems of spinning tubes. But I have seen pics of it done mostly on trucks with big tires. Getting close to 1000ft/lb I would probably consider it. You plan to have the rear end apart for anything in the near future?

 

Noticed the title, are you planing to weld on the brackets for the ladder bars? Very very good time to just lay a bead around the tubes as well. Weld the brackets to the tubes first to get some heat into the housing before welding the tubes to the housing.

 

you might consider pre heat with torch and research about post heating not a expert on welding on these but machined and installed a couple corporate GM tubes in a 9" ford for a friends jeep.

 

Not in the near future,when we regeared the truck we replaced everything...

The brackets are welded to the tubes...I think it is time to lay a bead around the tubes...If nothing else,Just for safe measure

 

Did you get it figured out? Your compression issue. If so I must of missed the thread.

 

Not yet, I am waiting on the head gasket to come in...Exhaust valve on #5 seemed to be sticking..Injectors are sent back to Full Force for testing,hopefully it will be back together by this time next week..