I got a RC D44 from a bronco and I want to run leaf springs. Iam wondering if I can cut the cast piece off the axle where the radius arms attach too. its welded to the tube and knuckle

This questions was just asked again last week.
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=190021

Thanks for the link. Looks like I can cut it off then, but iam still not sure. The steel tube in inside of it right? and if I cut it off will I have to weld the steel tube to the knuckle or is it welded under the cast also.

Iam just not sure if the tube in pressed on the knuckle and the cast is the only thing welded and holding it together. since its welded to the tube and knuckle

Thanks

those things are Hollow

the tube goes into the cast piece and stops.

Damn, thats what I kinda thought, but was not sure. So I guess I can just clean it up a little and grind the cast alittle but not too much to make it cleaner.

Thanks

What year?

78-79 style pic.
http://77cj.littlekeylime.com/mrnimages/dana4478-79axle_cut.jpg

so if you just have to do it, your saying it's possible to weld the perches to the cast if ground down some?

Thanks for the pic. Its a 79 axle. I would have thought the cast would have been thicker. I was going to cut some off with a torch and quickly noticed Its hollow....opps. Iam wondering if you could cut the wedged shaped pieces off and then weld a plate back on to put some strength in the axle again and cover the holes up. I think it would look better than the wedge shaped cast.

I know its cast and your not suppose to weld to it really. But you can weld spring hangers on and track bar mounts. So iam not really sure. Plus if cutting them off and welding a plate over it would be strong enonfe, ian wondering if all the heat would warp the axle there.

It's not worth the risk, find a new axle. (hint 73-75 should be very cheap with drum brakes)

why not just get the axle tubes replaced?

you could always use a D44HD from a leaf sprung F250/350 & save you the hassle. just a thought. the older axles have the <> parts welded on to the axle & you can easily cut them off.

http://www.superford.org/getfile.php?id=95056&toggle=fullsize&f=weldontabs01.jpg
http://www.superford.org/getfile.php?id=95057&toggle=fullsize&f=weldontabs02.jpg
the trac bar was cast in & these were welded on
http://www.superford.org/getfile.php?id=95058&toggle=fullsize&f=trackbarmount.jpg