axle truss and skid plate question

[J.M.]

If you are to weld an axle truss or skid plate to a D44a, do you have to take the axle apart for that?
i.e. can you sneak up on your rig from behind and weld up the axle skid plate right on spot, or do you need to gut the whole thing first?
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t31.0-8/843077_485403598185180_95765562_o.jpg
Thanks

J.M.

[wj lizard]

I'm thinking a minimum you would have to drain the oil and clean more of the residual out

[joshs1ofakindxj]

I've welded to the housing without removing internals or draining fluid. Never had an issue with my junk. Some mechanics warned me about arcing through the bearings and damaging them so I always connected the ground to the housing I was welding on, not something that would take current through the bearing like a wheel flange or something stupid.

[oros35]

I've welded both ways. I ran into a problem with arcing through where I'd never expect it. Toasted an emergency brake line. Not 100% sure how it happened but the current heated up the coil in the line and melted all the coating off of it inside and out. Must not have gotten a good ground and it found one.

And I've seen bad bearings from someone that did this before too. Key is getting a good ground - on the piece your welding to.

Another consideration is location of seals and stuff that can get damaged if you put too much heat to them.

I wouldn't hesitate to weld on an installed axle again. But it always comes out better if it's on the bench.

[tjblair]

X2^