I just finished a rear disc brake kit on my 66 FJ40. About years ago me and a buddy of mine welded the rear end to lock it. Well if any thought was put into it at all, we should have noticed that the cruiser has a c-clip axle. Lucky for me I have a set of torches to remove the drum backing plates.
I started thinking about it and realized it I ever was in the woods and broke an axle I would be screwed. Once it is welded you cannot move the axles in to remove the clips. So removing the axle with out inflicting any more damage is impossible.
I now plan on buying a replacement rear axle assy, Of course I will not replace it untill I am probably miles in the woods and broken.
Other than to refect on my own stupidity for a bit I figured I would embarass myself to maybe help anyone else out that might want to save the money on a locker and weld it. My advice DON'T. The locker will probably be less expencive in the end anyway.

Thanks

Josh Jones

Josh - when you weld up the third member you can do it in such a way as to not weld it in place - ie where the spider gears and cross pin can be removed and the c-clips and axles removed. Many people run a welded rear end without the inconvenience of welding everything in place and being stuck in your position. You are right though, make sure you dont break an axle or a pinion miles from anywhere. Good luck - dont take it too bad - most of us have pulled some bonehead moves - me more than most!

Oops, hehe you're only supposed to weld the spider gears to the side gears, not the axle! I can still change axles on my welded rear. Good heads up for everybody else though, I guess. :eek: :D

i am about to weld my rear could someone post a pic of where to weld (so you can remove everything) and where not to weld

thanks a lot

Try doing a search, this was discussed in depth before, even had pic attached.....:skull:

Here is a good example on a 14 bolt...I think the Cruiser should be similar
http://www.coloradok5.com/welded14bolt.shtml

:eek:
ive welded mine as a temporary measure since i lunched a pinion and it ate my ARB, got an open, welded the spider gears all up and, stuck it in!! now i gotta hope it didnt damage the ARB to badly... looks like im up for a new ARB though :( pity

mine is full floater though, i dont think itd make much difference, they are largely similar.