I just finished these two this week, one for a back halved 34 ford pickup, the qc is for a 34 Ford 3 window. Both done with a jig. I have done them without one, but now I don’t have to. Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
There is also available from welders supply outlet a form of heat absorbing mud that comes in a can that you can use over and over.
I think with the heat putty or cold rags, by the time the heat reached the putty/rags the damage would be done. Shrinkage will happen right at the weld point.
I welded four link brackets and shock mounts on a 8 3/4 Mopar and it would take out the left seal in a few miles. Took it out and brought it to a guy with a jig and he could not believe how far off it was. he was able to straighten it. and i have never had a problem sense. I Done Warped It Bad !
If you want to find out if any axle ***embly or rearend is straight. mount two bare rims that are matched on it. place the ***embly in a known to be straight section of channel or I beam. If you have 4 contact points on each rim its perfect at that position. Now slowly rotate the center and watch to see that you have the 4 contact points on each rim the full 360 degrees.