I found a pic of a SOA setup where they welded one leg of the perch to the axle tube and the other to the casting for the diff. I have always heard that welding to cast is a bad idea. Anyone done this or know when you can and can't weld to it?
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I found a pic of a SOA setup where they welded one leg of the perch to the axle tube and the other to the casting for the diff. I have always heard that welding to cast is a bad idea. Anyone done this or know when you can and can't weld to it?
Its not impossible to do, just very difficult to get a good weld on cast. It also depends whether its cast iron or cast steel. I am not sure whether axle center sections are generally cast iron or cast steel. If you do it right, there is nothing wrong with it. Here are a couple of links with some good reading in them.
http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowl...ronpreheat.asp
http://www.esabna.com/EUWeb/oxy_handbook/589oxy16_1.htm
It's cast iron. I've had great results using nickel rod. Many guys just use a wire feed with a pre-heat and maybe a post heat.
http://www.ifsja.org/forums/vb/showt...highlight=weld
Read that for some GOOD real world info on welding to the pumpkin.
In case you miss the link in that post.
http://members.cox.net/tadsal/beatthepig1.JPG
its cast steel guys, ccast iron is brittle
Bob's right, cast steel isn't that big of a deal to weld to.
Look at the second link I posted to see just how STRONG it really is.
Plus some ideas of different ways they did it. Nickel helps for a better weld.
Thanks guys, I was a little squimish of welding to it but it seems to be plenty strong for anything short of monster trucks.
Can you provide a source?Quote:
Originally Posted by BCOWANWHEELS
From hereQuote:
Carrier construction: malleable iron (fine grain cast iron)
Ring and Pinion construction: 8620 heat treated
Differential housing construction: Nodular iron
Axle tubes construction: mild steel
Inner knuckles (aka tube forks, end forgings, or "Cs") - forged, premium low-carbon mild steel
Outer knuckle construction: malleable iron
Axle tube to diff interference fit: .006" - .010"
Axle tube to inner yoke (C) interference fit .003" - .005"
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ont/index.html