welding on 8.8
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
You can weld on most any axle tube. They are all commonly mild steel.
Are you replacing the ends also? Once you install the 4 link brackets it will be bent, especially if if you only use 1/2 brackets that don't wrap around the tube. You can straighten the tube, but sometimes it's easier to just replace the ends and install them last which will make it straight. That is if you have a jig to do it?
I've welded the tubes to the housing(cast) with mild steel mig. The factory plug weld isn't bad, but if you try to put power through it you might want to weld them solid so it doesn't break the plugs and rotate on you. Since you are putting brackets on and having to straighten it, you might look into it.
Are you replacing the ends also? Once you install the 4 link brackets it will be bent, especially if if you only use 1/2 brackets that don't wrap around the tube. You can straighten the tube, but sometimes it's easier to just replace the ends and install them last which will make it straight. That is if you have a jig to do it?
I've welded the tubes to the housing(cast) with mild steel mig. The factory plug weld isn't bad, but if you try to put power through it you might want to weld them solid so it doesn't break the plugs and rotate on you. Since you are putting brackets on and having to straighten it, you might look into it.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 243
Likes: 1
You can weld on most any axle tube. They are all commonly mild steel.
Are you replacing the ends also? Once you install the 4 link brackets it will be bent, especially if if you only use 1/2 brackets that don't wrap around the tube. You can straighten the tube, but sometimes it's easier to just replace the ends and install them last which will make it straight. That is if you have a jig to do it?
I've welded the tubes to the housing(cast) with mild steel mig. The factory plug weld isn't bad, but if you try to put power through it you might want to weld them solid so it doesn't break the plugs and rotate on you. Since you are putting brackets on and having to straighten it, you might look into it.
Are you replacing the ends also? Once you install the 4 link brackets it will be bent, especially if if you only use 1/2 brackets that don't wrap around the tube. You can straighten the tube, but sometimes it's easier to just replace the ends and install them last which will make it straight. That is if you have a jig to do it?
I've welded the tubes to the housing(cast) with mild steel mig. The factory plug weld isn't bad, but if you try to put power through it you might want to weld them solid so it doesn't break the plugs and rotate on you. Since you are putting brackets on and having to straighten it, you might look into it.
are you saying the tubes will bend when I weld the brackets?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
Typically. If you apply heat to one side of a tube like that, it will PULL to that side. It's only about 1/4" wall, so it will move. As it heats, it pushes, then when it cools it will pull farther back, thus creating a bend.
I've straightened axles by welding a "pad"(square spot) on the back side and then quenching with wet rag to get it to pull back. Then just grind the pad off if you don't want to see it. You'll still need something to check straightness. You can use the axle and see how easily they slide into housing, but the 8.8 has roller bearings in the tube and might not be as accurate as a 9" with large sealed bearings.
I've straightened axles by welding a "pad"(square spot) on the back side and then quenching with wet rag to get it to pull back. Then just grind the pad off if you don't want to see it. You'll still need something to check straightness. You can use the axle and see how easily they slide into housing, but the 8.8 has roller bearings in the tube and might not be as accurate as a 9" with large sealed bearings.
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 243
Likes: 1
Typically. If you apply heat to one side of a tube like that, it will PULL to that side. It's only about 1/4" wall, so it will move. As it heats, it pushes, then when it cools it will pull farther back, thus creating a bend.
I've straightened axles by welding a "pad"(square spot) on the back side and then quenching with wet rag to get it to pull back. Then just grind the pad off if you don't want to see it. You'll still need something to check straightness. You can use the axle and see how easily they slide into housing, but the 8.8 has roller bearings in the tube and might not be as accurate as a 9" with large sealed bearings.
I've straightened axles by welding a "pad"(square spot) on the back side and then quenching with wet rag to get it to pull back. Then just grind the pad off if you don't want to see it. You'll still need something to check straightness. You can use the axle and see how easily they slide into housing, but the 8.8 has roller bearings in the tube and might not be as accurate as a 9" with large sealed bearings.
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