Technical Repair Axle Tube?

Hi all,

I have a 57 9.3 Pontiac axle and has a pin hole and rust pits where the u-bolts were and mud collected insider the spring pads.

That said Is there any issues welding up rust damage on axle tube near leaf spring mounts?

Would it be better to weld or braze?

Regards,
Jim

 

Providing pictures to show us the extent of the damage would give you a more useful answer.

 

Warpage may be an issue.

 

The short answer is yes, you can weld an axel housing. Axle tubes are lengthened, shortened, and bearing ends changed all the time. Having said that, I think you need to do some additional inspection before proceeding. The axle tubes are relatively thick and for it to be fully penetrated is a bit unusual. And you will need to get the gear lube cleaned out of the pores before welding. So I would strip the housing down, get the external rust and internal lube cleaned up and then decide what needs to be done. You may have to cut the spring pads off to see all of the damage. Then maybe you can just repair with weld, or if the tubes are significantly thinned out, replace some of the tube. Any welding may warp the housing. Best to have a housing jig to help keep it straight. Even with a jig you may have to straighten the housing after welding.

 

I have welded all over axle tubes and never had any issues. Mandrils are nice to have but not a necessity pending your welding skills. I would never consider using Br*** on one.

 

Hi again,

I will have to grab a few pictures tomorrow.

But basically really pitted where the u-bolts are. I need to move the perches for my application about 5/8" inward either way, but kinda concerned or worried about the new u- bolts clamping on the new welds if I can get by with that, or is it better to cut ot the section and splice in fresh metal.

As for welding skills more or less a novice, done a lot in 4x4 trucks but nothing pretty, but all have held up to abuse.

Thanks for the advice and insights.

Regards,
Jim

 

People weld new perches and ladder bar brackets on all the time.

 

If you have a rust issue ? it’s gonna be thin , and will open up bigger when the heat hits it !!!

 

If theres a pin hole then the metal is corroded all the way through. May be drill over size hole to get out to clean thick steel,and weld the hole shut.

 

If all your welding is on one side of the tube, that's when you get warpage...as the weld cools, the welded side shrinks a bit.

Once we see how bad it is, we'll all go "yikes!" or maybe it's not so bad? Pictures tell the story.

 

Try & find some tubing that fits over the axle , split the tube lengthwise , tack 1/2 to both sides , in affect making them a sleeve , weld that up , then modify your spring pads ,ubolts, etc , make a very strong tube .

 

A lot of ways to skin this dog. As Squirrel says " welding is on one side of the tube, that's when you get warpage" so there is that fact. A minor brace can solve that issue. As far as the new U-Bolt causing a crush problem, The new weld is most often stronger than virgin material when done right. Fall through when welding up thin material may end up being a bigger issue to deal with in the end. This gets down to skill level so if in doubt maybe find a little local help. This doesn't need to be a major problem for you. This would be a major rust issue for me to consider making a sleeve to do this repair. Again, as mentioned photos of the damage will go a long way in getting you headed the right direction.

 

Jim: Read this article: I bet they can help you.
1957-1964 Pontiac and Oldsmobile Rearends - Revival (motortrend.com)
Then contact Fabcraft Metalworks.
fabcraftmetalworks - Search (bing.com)

Perhaps you could replace yours with an Olds rear end or axle tube.

 

dang, I should drive up there and get it for my Vette, or my Chevy II!

 

Hi again,

Wish that axle was closer, 11 hour drive over lake Michigan might not be the best deal.

Here's some pictures of my concern, worst case I also have a 63 Oldsmobile housing, just a lot more brackets to cut off and possibly need to narrow a bit.

Red is the rust thru:


Regards,
Jim

 

Hi again,

Fabcraft says it's permanently close?



So are they still a valid source for parts?

Regards,
Jim

 

Yikes!

 

I’m probably the easiest guy on a rear end ever. I’ve got 2 57-63 Pontiac rear ends under each of my race cars that both have been to Bonneville countless times. They are nothing like the condition of yours. I’ve got to go Yikes …Yikes…
I would use the ends and the center unless they are the same. I’m sorry but that is something I would throw away.

 

.............

 

yeah, dont think Id be using that.

 

They still have an eBay store and are in Big Horn Wy. BTW they have bare housings for sale.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/380848984527?hash=item58ac5e51cf:g:FtEAAMXQkl9Rc30I

 

May have to call, have a 63 Olds housing as well wonder if they would swap...

Or if anyone has a extra 57 housing near Michigan

Regards,
Jim

 

Not enough left worth saving ..

 

Re

Consider an 8.8?

 

You could drive to Ludington and take the Badger car ferry to Milwaukee. It's a good way to cut off a lot of miles and not expensive. 360 miles from Milwaukee to Mound, MN. Moriarty might even give you a tour of his collection. That alone would be worth the trip.

 

Sleeve it with a bigger tube and run it!

 

Hi,

I was actually wondering if I could put a sleeve on the inside and then cut out the thin sections.

Regards,
Jim

 

They aren’t straight like a 9”

 

I would just put a sleeve over it.