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welding mild steel to( cast steel ?) diff. axle housing

welding mild steel to( cast steel ?) diff. axle housing

welding mild steel to( cast steel ?) diff. axle housing

(OP)
What type of casting is used on a trucks axle differential housing and is it possible to mig weld mild steel to it and have it be very strong?

RE: welding mild steel to( cast steel ?) diff. axle housing

In a lot of cases, I don't think it's a casting. What is done is to seam weld two pressings together to make the "Banjo" housing, and then stub axles are friction welded on the ends. Of course, you can weld onto a casting in many cases if it's done right.

RE: welding mild steel to( cast steel ?) diff. axle housing

(OP)
This axle is not the "banjo" type. Its a Dana 70 with a cast pumpkin. How can I mig weld to this casting correctly?

RE: welding mild steel to( cast steel ?) diff. axle housing

Sorry - out of my league here. I do know that you can run into trouble welding with some medium carbon steels if you don't pre-heat the joint. So I suspect an expert might first ask you for a metallurgical analysis of the "pumpkin".

RE: welding mild steel to( cast steel ?) diff. axle housing

Preheat and postheat treatment is the key to doing what you want to do safely.  the axel housing will give you a clue as to the who the mfr is and also the date of the casting was made.  With this information, go the the mfr and ask him.  you could try zr2.com to help out with the codes and the like (the mfr should be able to help with the welding procedure...)

Good luck and keep us posted!

RE: welding mild steel to( cast steel ?) diff. axle housing

Most truck axle housings that are castings are made with ductile iron, such as ASTM A536-84 Standard Specification for Ductile Iron Castings.  These are weldable, though I will leave details to others that are more knowledgeable in that area.

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RE: welding mild steel to( cast steel ?) diff. axle housing

Alot depends on your load and strength requirements.Welding can be successful with pre and post heating to relieve any stresses in your heat affect zone. Try slow cooling for best results such as fire proof blanketing. Pre-heat 500-600 degrs. After welding run a post heat in the welded area to 1100 to 1200 degrs. then slow cool. Hope you have success!

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