Welding brackets on rear end question

Should I drain the gear oil out before welding brackets on? I haven't before but that doesn't mean it's right ;-)

Thanks -JAM

 

The preferred way is to drain the fluid, dis***emble the rear, clean it, and then weld. Few of us will take the time to do that. You can also set the axle on end, so fluid will drain into the tube you are not welding on at the time. I've done that many times and always seem to get away with it....

 

I have never drained the gear oil while welding brackets on a rearend.---Never thought about it actually.

 

I would.. The gear oil can coke up on the inside of the weld. Maybe even cause a small fire depending on what other kind of **** is floating around in the old oil..

What kind of a rear is it? If it's a ford it will take about 5 minutes to dis***emble.

See this link for my advice tips on welding brackets to a rear. This was p***ed on to me from a very experienced builder..
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=105268

 

I've welded on brackets and left the axles in too...even read that was a good thing to do 100 years ago...to keep things in alignment...used a stick welder. Never had a problem, but did drain and change the 90 weight gear lube.

Now today, it's send it out to a specialty shop where they can TIG weld brackets on, narrow the rear, trim the axles and straighten the housing.

Either way will work.

Just my two cent's worth...

 

yeah cutting and rewelding the axles is nice but you really need a jig to do it... i left my housing intact and just went slow and carefull, really paying attention to the heat and distortioned.. it turned out really well..