Welding Question

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Mar 12, 2008 | 06:14 PM

skirk55

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From: Newtown Pa 18940

Welding Question

I read that to install a set of traction bars you have to weld 4 steel plates to the axle tube. My question is when you weld on an axle tube on the inside it heats up the metal and can flake. Will this contaminate the bearings and wipe them out?

Mar 12, 2008 | 08:48 PM

66fdtrucknut

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From: Eastern Shore, Md.

I don't think thats a prob. what flakes on steel is the slag from a mill on hot rolled steel . What you do have to be careful of is warping the tube.
Charlie

Mar 13, 2008 | 02:59 PM

SCRWDRVR

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From: On The Edge of the Cliff

I agree with Charlie I think the big concern would be warping it

Mar 13, 2008 | 03:36 PM

skirk55

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From: Newtown Pa 18940

I have never welded a axle tube before. Is there a better rod for this use? I use ones that they call a farm stick. It can be used on thick and rusty metal.I weld my Plow and body in the old steel bump trucks and repairs around the shop.The mig is for thin metal and I have not used it much.Is the mig able to weld the plates to the axle?

Mar 13, 2008 | 05:00 PM

66fdtrucknut

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If you're going to use a stick welder, I would use a 3/32 or 1/8 7018. A mig will work if you have a good mig welder thats capable of welding that thickness, I'm guessing somewhere around 1/4"? Having some experience with it would'nt hurt either. Being a welder/fabricator for close to 30 years this is about the only area I can give an educated guess, where I lack is turning a wrench.
Charlie

Mar 13, 2008 | 05:23 PM

skirk55

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Thank you that is a help.

Mar 14, 2008 | 05:21 PM

DAFBFD58

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From: Here and there

Sam,
With Jesse's(Farmboy Fabrications) bars, the tabs for each bar are welded on. His buddy Joe did the welding for him since his mig welder was down. He used sticks and it came out just fine. Proper prep will allow for things to go smoother. The cleaned up the area with a grinder before he started to weld. Wish i had a closer up picture for you but this is the best I have.