WELDING A 9" FORD BACKBRACE

[justinhip]

I just got a currie housing for my mustang and have been considering adding a backbrace. My concern is warping the housing while welding the brace on. Is this much of a concern? I was figuring on tacking it in place and the welding sections at a time. Any thoughts?

THanks

[ERV JR]

Put it in a gig, I have seen them pull by just welding saddles .

[John_Heard]

I think you ought to do the backbraces first then put the axle ends on just to be on the safe side. Odds are you'll get quite a bit of warpage putting the back brace on, a Jig is a must.

[HAULIN' IT]

Justin, As John said, I believe this should be done ONLY before the ends are put on. I've put backbraces on (being careful, a little welding at a time) & still had to hit the outside of the bearing end with a grinder on one side where it slides in the tube before welding them on. So yes, It's likely to move the bearing ends so they are not aligned. Just my two cents, don't do it now unless you plan to cut the ends off. Lorne

[TOMT]

Your a keen man if your going to weld to a new diff without a jig!! Any amount of weld, being a tack or short run Will create localised heat = warpage.
I am a welder by Trade, So I do have a bit of knowledge lolololol.
If it was me: cut the bearing housings off, jig it up ( has to be able to hold the diff from walking) weld the backbrace on. Then you would have to normalise the diff before it can come out of the jig... Then you will need to setup your bearing housings again and weld ( Another Jig)
The Short answer is...... If you aint got the jigs you will wreck the diff.... simple.

[Dave Morgan]

All the advise you got is correct. You WILL warp the housing. You'll need a jig to position the bearing CL on the housing ends with the ring gear CL.
Dave Morgan