Welding on Axle Housing Tubes

[james j]

Hi Guys!
I'm a little new here, but I am finally getting back to my project. I'm have a '68 Charger and am putting the spring relocation kit coupled with mini-tubs. While I have the new spring pockets are already installed in the frame rails, I have the new leaf spring perches just tacked in place on the rear end (which still has its axles in it). As such, I just wanted to see if you have any advice on how to finish the welds on new perches. I figure that it would be easier to ask, since I am concerned about warping. The rear end still has it's original axles in it, but they will be replaced before they go back in the car.

Any hints or advice would be greatly appreciated.



Thanks,

James

[parsonsj]

James, the best advice is to weld the suspension mounts before welding the housing ends. The ends are usually designed for some adjustment to correct for warpage.

If you can't do that, then weld away, then straighten the housing via hydraulic press. The worst thing you can do is have the suspension mounts break off due to an inadequate weld.

[AlleyCat]

Putting enough heat into the perch welds to be effective will definitely warp the housing, it's only a matter of to what degree. If you have the housing out and can make a really stout jig, that should be okay.

If I had to do mine over again, I would start with the wheel I wanted and build everything around it. If you're going through all the trouble of new Axles, welding perches and either jig or straighten, might as well have the housing shortened at the same time to suit the wheel you want. Just one novice's opinion.

[raustinss]

There are bars which slide in and are tightened down with bolts just to prevent this from happening

[sccacuda]

If you can wait to paint or powder coat the rear until the car is finished, this is what we do. We put the car on the alignment machine and see if the rear tires are toe'd or cambered. If it is, we use a torch to heat about a quarter size spot to "pull" the tube in the direction we want it. Most bearings can handle up to 0.5 degree of misalignment, so here's your chance to dial in a little toe and camber for handling as well.