reddishdsb
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- Jul 15, 2006
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any one have the part number for the #3 pipe cutter from harbor freight?
What shock mount plates did you use out of curiosity
There is a drawback to doing that. The further in towards the carrier you cut and weld, the more the warpage will effect how far the axle bearing end of the tube moves. As far as using the axle as a jig, that's not going to do a very good job either. If you get a chance try sliding an axle in without the bearing on it and you'll see even when its slid into the splines it can be moved a lot. Whenever an axle get narrowed its always best to do it as close to the end as possible to limit warpage. A good weld in a V'd tube connection so you get good penetration is plenty strong so shearing is very unlikely. Using a pipe cutter puts somewhat of a V in the tubes but if a chop saw is used its best to chamfer the ends without going all the way to the inside. Without some kind of V and letting flat tube ends butt together then laying a weld on top of the joint is much weaker and should be avoided.If your cutting the axle tube, you may want to look into cutting it more toward the carrier as the bearings are in the end and that is where most of the weight is biased to, does that make sense? I sectioned mine about an inch from the carrier thinking there would be the least amount of sheer force there. You can also use the axle as the jig to weld it back together as well as using a piece of ID pipe to back the weld joint for more sheer force protection.
If your cutting the axle tube, you may want to look into cutting it more toward the carrier as the bearings are in the end and that is where most of the weight is biased to, does that make sense? I sectioned mine about an inch from the carrier thinking there would be the least amount of sheer force there. You can also use the axle as the jig to weld it back together as well as using a piece of ID pipe to back the weld joint for more sheer force protection.
Good to know about the axle jig procedure. I just did that one on the fly and figured with my less than stellar weld skills, a weld farther from the bearing would be in a less stressed area. When i put the axle in and seated the splines, the tube was bubble up on my level and I had the carrier on a cradle and the axle flanges on identical height scissor jacks. forgot to mention I had the ends supported. Came out straight but I still was a little leary of my welds. Buddy sold the car with rear in tow before we could get everything installed. Id do it again. It was easy as 1-2-3: 1 cut, 2 perches, 3 welds.