Welding on rockwell axles

[7bdiver]

I know a couple folks on here have welded on their Rockwell axles, for such things like steering ram mounts, but as far as I can search, there aren't really any discussions on the welding itself. I need to weld a mount to mine here pretty soon.

My buddy is a pro welder and he's getting skittish about welding on cast steel, worried about cracking it. I don't imagine they're forged. Either way, you can see these 2.5 ton's welded up with trusses and whatnot all day long. Can't be that bad.

Does anyone have any experience or advice, such as preheating to a good 400 and not letting it cool off... leave the oil in while you do it, or drain most of it? stuff like that. Also, equipment and whatever rod you used, if special.

I haven't really been able to find any tips online in general either. Google has become a mountain of sales you just can't find anything in anymore.

 

[NDT]

Those axles started life as flat plate that was formed into shapes and welded together. No issues with welding to cast material.

 

[7bdiver]

That makes sense. For the most part, they don't look like a casting at all, except maybe at the ends. Explains why they've got so much stuff welded to them so often, and with most of the paint still on.

thanks

 

[porkysplace]

Depending on how much welding and location of the welds , it's probably a good idea to drain it and make sure it is vented .
Unless it is new oil , it probably needs changing anyhow.

 

[gringeltaube]

For the most part, they don't look like a casting at all, except maybe at the ends

The axle housing itself is a weldment: all mild steel, formed & welded together. Only the housing of the differential assembly is cast iron.

 

[Lothar]

Preheat and 7018 rod, your guy should have no problems.

 

[G744]

7018 rod is a gift from the gods of welding.

DG