u bolts welded to axle?

[86bigyeti]

I just got a new to me k5. After I got it home I noticed that the u bolts are welded to the axle. Never seen it done before my only guess is the p o did this to set the angle instead of shims for the 6 in lift. Any ways is this safe is it really bad no one I talk to has ever seen or herd of this before

 

[wesfab1]

That's a hack job, and I'd say not safe at all. Ubolts don't like heat, they get brittle and snap. Welding makes heat, you do the math.

 

[tommudd]

Yes not a good idea, makes you wonder what else he ( they) did when building your K5

 

[86bigyeti]

OK thanks. Now how do I fix this I'm a weder so I know a good weld whoever did was a fantastic welder they did a complete pass both sides both springs grinding them off makes me nervous is it new axle time?

 

[wesfab1]

oxy/acetylene torch, burn em off, grind

repeat as necessary

 

[v_man]

pictures would be helpful ... a lot of people claim not to re-use U bolts ... I've loosened and re-torqued mine numerous times though .

 

[86bigyeti]

How thick is the axle? I know people weld to them all the time but will heat from the torch or grinder be an issue. I can get a 10 bolt axle for $100 or a Dana 60 for $400 but I don't like to spend if I can fix it

 

[1v6pony]

If it were me, i would start over, you do not know how good a welder he is, he might have overheated the metal witch will fatigue much easier than the weld itself.
and you have a torqueee, motor also, not worth the risk of being in the middle on nowhere and it braking. or even a hard street emergency braking situation.
better safe than sorry.

 

[rayra]

Depends how hard you're gonna use it. Sure the welding might have messed with the tempering of the U-bolts AND the axle housing, but so will burning or grinding them off. If you are going to put a lot of side load or torque on them rock crawling, then get a new axle housing and U-bolts. If you're just cruising about and hitting some dirt roads, don't worry about it at all. But you might consider carrying some spare u-bolts and the tools to make an emergency repair in the boonies.

 

[gohuge]

Axle tube is pretty thick material. I would grind them off and replace the ubolts.
It is unlikely that he cooked the tube enough to weaken it. Crazy booty fab though.
Guy must have never heard of a wedge.

 

[highdesertranger]

never seen that one before and I have seen some wild ones. highdesertranger

 

[crazybill]

Wire brush the heated area and inspect for cracks. Otherwise I'd go with it unless you have a reason to change it.
You say you are a welder (as opposed to "I can weld") so you should know what to look for. Spring towers and perches, shock mounts etc are welded to the tubes all the time.
-Bill-

 

[oscar the grouch]

Wire brush the heated area and inspect for cracks. Otherwise I'd go with it unless you have a reason to change it.
You say you are a welder (as opposed to "I can weld") so you should know what to look for. Spring towers and perches, shock mounts etc are welded to the tubes all the time.
-Bill-

What bill said.

 

[86bigyeti]

Thanks guys I will grind the u bolt and welds off and use it. All kinds of booty fab on this thing. Its getting a new wire harness and complete axle rebuilds I plan on taking the wife and kid way out in the boonies and some light wheeling. Thanks again