Welded my Diff. Opinions needed.

[EMWHYR0HEN]

I welded my R200 diff solid for my track car in hopes of correcting the car's fast turn in and lack of traction.

 

First I removed the carrier and cleaned the spiders then preheated the welding area of the spiders with a butane torch. I used a 220V mig and made 4 welds on each side of the carrier with 2 overlaps on each weld.

 

I've welded thick metal before in welding classes, and I feel good about the penetration and quality of the welds. I'm still new at this though and I was wondering If I should also weld the spiders to the carrier.

 

The carrier is cast iron and after reading these, I feel kinda iffy about doing it.

 

http://www.locknstitch.com/CastIronWelding.htm

 

http://http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/cast-iron.htm

 

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowledge/articles/content/castironpreheat.asp

 

Basically, if your not careful with the temperature it can become brittle.

 

For those of you that have welded diffs before, Is what I have now strong enough?

 

 

 

 

 

[johnc]

Its looks fine to me. Welding diffs is not a very technical welding task. Use a lot of heat and pour in the filler. I ssume you flipped the carrier over and welded the other side where the side gears mesh.

[EMWHYR0HEN]

Its looks fine to me. Welding diffs is not a very technical welding task. Use a lot of heat and pour in the filler. I ssume you flipped the carrier over and welded the other side where the side gears mesh.

 

 

I know you've been successful with this. I'll take your word for it and put down the welder now.

 

Thanks John.

[Clifton]

I have always welded the side spider to the carrier too.

[jnjdragracing]

On our R200, we welded the spiders similar to yours but with more penetration, but we also welded them to the carrier and go all the way around. I used an old Lincoln AC 225 stick welder and turned up the heat. Have not had any problems.

 

John

[Cable]

This can be done without removing the carrier, right?