Welding on Axle Housing Tubes

[Brandy]

Thanks Cranky! I will most likely narrow the 9 inch and have my buddy Bob do it or either send it out. I still have not pulled the 9 apart to see if the shafts have meat on the ends or if they are tapered.

 

[dvw]

I do mine all with a jig now but I leave the rod in place. However back in the day when I had no tools, I narrowed rear housings only by eye. Never had an issue. My 8 3/4 has been in my Road Runner since 1985. Hundreds of passes in the low 11's and street miles. Nevr broke or had odd tire wear.
Doug

 

[zyzzyx]

I'm a little late to the party, but the best way to weld on axle tubes without warping is to pre-heat the tubes to at least 300 degrees with a soft flame on a rosebud. Try to heat the whole tube,and not just locally. The fillet material will get better penetration, and will not "shrink" as much because of the temperature differential. Less warpage! After welding, cover the housing with abatt of fiberglass or something to keep it from cooling too fast.

 

[Hemirunner]

Interesting. I have never seen sliders like those. Can someone explain how they work different than shackles?

A spring shackle will actually cause the rate of the spring to change thoughout the movement of the shackle due to the leverage of the shackle and the changing angle. Sliders eliminates the leverage effect and keeps the spring rate consistent.