Axle Welding Question

TBigLug · February 18, 2009, 06:48:32 PM

I've never done any welding on my axles before. Soon I'll have to weld on new shock mounts and brake line tabs so here's my question. Do I need a special rod to weld on them or are they just regular mild steel? I'll be using an old arc welder (no MIG, TIG or HeliArc). What rod works best? The old standby 6011 or the easy flowing 7014 or something else?

Crazymays77 · February 18, 2009, 07:34:02 PM

i did some with just 6013 but i dont know how they did it wasnt my car and i never heard anything from him about them. i welded mine with mig and the wire was just normal welding wire. so i think you will be fine. also i would weld the smaller spider gears there easier to change if they break and you dont break everything in there. oh i used 7018 when i worked at a place in davison and i was welding 12" tubes together up to 100' long and we picked one up and i watched it bend like crazy but no welds broke and i had at least 3-4 seams on it. just a thought

TBigLug · February 18, 2009, 08:32:37 PM

For right now I'll just be welding on the case. Not the gears themselves. But, if it ever becomes an off-road only or pulling only truck and I can't aford a locker, gears will be welded.

Crazymays77 · February 18, 2009, 08:34:45 PM

oh got yeah then 6011 6013 will be fine

Mudbuster · February 18, 2009, 10:25:02 PM

The axle tubes are just mild steel so whatever rod you normally use should be fine.

Orangecrush · February 18, 2009, 10:45:05 PM

I use 6013 , so far so good.

BIG DOG · February 18, 2009, 11:29:35 PM

SOUNDS GOOD 2 ME

Chevy Racer · February 19, 2009, 12:00:09 AM

7018 will work. I used 9018 rod to weld my gears. Preheat, weld, post heat, and slow cool. Held 44's no problems except the pinion bearing is getting bad from an out of balance driveshaft.

Wizzard · February 19, 2009, 12:02:06 AM

6011
6013
7018
these are all good

TBigLug · February 19, 2009, 12:10:51 AM

Sweet, thanks guys.

Eroq · February 19, 2009, 01:45:28 AM

the axle tubes are mild steel, center section is cast iron... tubes i usually run 6013, 6010, 6011,7013 all work good, if you have to weld on the center section look for a rod with a high nickel content ( i think its nickel, been years since i've stick welded cast)

Crazymays77 · February 19, 2009, 01:48:26 AM

also if u weld cast u should sweat it first. meaning u should take a torch and heat it up a little until you get the moisture away from where your welding and make sure you have the welder set right first or the welds will crack.