I don’t/can’t weld.

[Pmedic920]

As I’ve said in multiple other posts, I’m in the planning/ early stages of getting my JKU back into usable form after being totaled by an 18 wheeler that ran a stop sign.
I was hit kinda broadside (driver side) and pushed sideways over a curb. Luckily this pushed both passenger side tires off the rims and I didn’t roll.

The lateral force pushed both axles a few inches towards the driver side, the rear axle more so than front. The force primarily was transferred via the track bar, and it ripped the mount off of the rear axle and mangled the bolt on track bracket.

When I contacted MetalCloak to order a new bracket they wisely recommended that I purchase a weld on bracket instead of another bolt on that would require welding on the factory mounting point anyway.

I did a bit of research and ordered the bracket from Artec.

Bla bla bla, that’s a lot of unnecessary words to ask a simple question but I figured maybe someone needed something to read, and my problems might make someone else feel a bit better about their own.

Anyway, I’ll have to haul the jeep to a welder/fab shop and my question is this.

Can the track bar bracket simply be welded up to the tube or do I need to drain all the lube and pull the axle shaft. I understand that heat transfer is an issue but uncertain how big a deal it is.

Do I need to request a particular type of weld, is there a risk of burning through the tube if I inadvertently choose an idiot to do my work?

Again, I don’t weld and other than a basic understanding I’m pretty ignorant.
I’ll take any advice that will help, short of sell the JKU and build a buggy (already admitted “I don’t weld”)

Thanks Fellas


ETA:
The Artec bracket seems to be good quality but it wasn’t a ton of money, if there is a way better option I’d certainly consider a different choice.

 

[Chkn]

Missed the pop up huh?

 

[Pmedic920]

Missed the pop up huh?

Yes evidently I did.
MY BAD.

FIFY

 

[bdkw1]

Don't bother draining it. Send it, if the guy burns through the axle tube, he's doing something very wrong.

 

[Etyler2]

Don’t drain it just send it.

 

[gt1guy]

Ya, just have them weld it. No need to drain.

Maybe make sure your axle vent isn't plugged up with shit.

 

[Pmedic920]

Ya, just have them weld it. No need to drain.

Maybe make sure your axle vent isn't plugged up with shit.

Is it important that the tube gets pre heated?

I’ve seen/head yes and no.

 

[Sean]

Is it important that the tube gets pre heated?

I’ve seen/head yes and no.

No. The tube is DOM....no need to preheat like cast.

 

[Pmedic920]

No. The tube is DOM....no need to preheat like cast.

Thanks

 

[bdkw1]

Weld sequence is kinda important to minimize warping.

 

[Pmedic920]

Weld sequence is kinda important to minimize warping.

Are you familiar with the Artec bracket for the D44?

Any suggestions for me to keep an eye on when I allow/ pay someone to do my welding?

Should I request it be done a certain way?

 

[bdkw1]

I am not familiar with that specific bracket, but most of their stuff I have seen is 1/4" plate. This makes for big gaps and welds that like to pull. Throw up a picture of it so we can talk shit..... I mean help.....

 

[NDCjeepsmith]

It's not at all a daunting task. You're in TX, I would find an offroad shop near you rather than a general welding shop.

I'm sure the welding shops have competent welders but they may not know dick about making sure the axle the set properly in place.

 

[Bebop]

Pmedic920 : Tribe16 is 3h and a half away from you.
Do yourself a favor, take your vehicle there.

You're a nit picker and you will want the shit to be done the best way possible, and this guys will take care of you and explain you how and why and show you that they're very much the gold standard in the area.
They can also take care of any other things that you want to fork out to a professional shop.

(this isn't a paid advertising, I genuinely believe they are great)

 

[06h3]

Are you familiar with the Artec bracket for the D44?

Any suggestions for me to keep an eye on when I allow/ pay someone to do my welding?

Should I request it be done a certain way?

Pmedic920 : Tribe16 is 3h and a half away from you.
Do yourself a favor, take your vehicle there.

You're a nit picker and you will want the shit to be done the best way possible, and this guys will take care of you and explain you how and why and show you that they're very much the gold standard in the area.
They can also take care of any other things that you want to fork out to a professional shop.

(this isn't a paid advertising, I genuinely believe they are great)

Agreed, this comment above will piss off a regular fab shop welder. The welder is the “pro” and then you’re telling him how to weld.

Tribe has welders who specialize in 4x4s so they understand the nuances of welding to axle tubes. I’d drop it off, they will do it right and know what to do

 

[SLOWPOKE693]

Pmedic920 : Tribe16 is 3h and a half away from you.
Do yourself a favor, take your vehicle there.

You're a nit picker and you will want the shit to be done the best way possible, and this guys will take care of you and explain you how and why and show you that they're very much the gold standard in the area.
They can also take care of any other things that you want to fork out to a professional shop.

(this isn't a paid advertising, I genuinely believe they are great)

Brave Motorsports is practically in his back yard.


Op, call Dave and have him do your welding.

/thread

 

[Bebop]

Brave Motorsports is practically in his back yard.


Op, call Dave and have him do your welding.

/thread

Oh shit, I didn't even know that.

I did check their website and they are fully booked until an unknown date.

That said, a trackbar bracket might be a quick fix he's willing to do.

 

[mobil1syn]

have you had the frame check to make sure it isnt a candy cane?

getting pushed by a semi into a curb enough to rip brackets off isnt a fender bender type event.

 

[Pmedic920]

Pmedic920 : Tribe16 is 3h and a half away from you.
Do yourself a favor, take your vehicle there.

You're a nit picker and you will want the shit to be done the best way possible, and this guys will take care of you and explain you how and why and show you that they're very much the gold standard in the area.
They can also take care of any other things that you want to fork out to a professional shop.

(this isn't a paid advertising, I genuinely believe they are great)

Thanks.

I’m sure I sound like a big vagina compared to a lot of folks that hang out here.

Fact is im not really that much of a nit picker.
I do however like things done right or as close to right as I can get/afford.

Three factors for me are, I don’t have a ton of extra money to make mistakes and learn the hard way, and I have learned an hard lesson on occasions. I have paid/trusted the wrong shop or “professional” to do things in the past simply because I didn’t have the knowledge to know better.

I’m not an expert when it comes to anything mechanical/automotive. I do absolutely everything that I can for myself, even if I’m unsure how. I’ll research the Hell out of something on YouTube, forums etc, and if I think I “got it” I’ll certainly try.

I wheel/trail ride alone 98% of the time.
Not so hard core but for a daily driver type JK Ive got mine where it’s fairly capable.
I’ve been to most of the well known places within a long weekends distance to me. Windrock, Stoney Lonesome, SMORR, Hot Springs etc, and I try everything that folks say is doable, and some things I’ve been cautioned not to.

When it comes to welding up a track bar, that’s not something I want to break while alone 500 miles from home, so I’m simply trying to gain as much knowledge as I can before paying someone to do it for me.

Back when I did the upgrades on my front axle (RCVs, sleeves, C gussets, ball joints etc) I had a buddy close that was an excellent welder but he has moved his family far away and I don’t have that luxury anymore. He welded my gussets.

I appreciate the tip for a good shop but a 16 hour one way trip isn’t a viable option for me. I’m fairly certain I have enough information now that I can find something reasonably close to home.

Thanks for the suggestion

 

[Bebop]

Fact is im not really that much of a nit picker.
I do however like things done right or as close to right as I can get/afford.

That is literally the definition of a nit picker.

 

[Pmedic920]

have you had the frame check to make sure it isnt a candy cane?

getting pushed by a semi into a curb enough to rip brackets off isnt a fender bender type event.

The frame is ok. It was measured out during the estimate process.
I’m not 100% certain but I think the Sliders and Heavy Duty cross member saved the frame.
(LOD sliders and Metal Cloak skid w/cross member) both pretty good quality.

This Jeep won’t ever be perfect again but it will certainly be drivable and a good trail rig.

 

[Pmedic920]

That is literally the definition of a nit picker.

For FS, ok maybe I am.

But in my mind I’m not, I let lots of shit slide.

 

[Sean]

For FS, ok maybe I am.

But in my mind I’m not, I let lots of shit slide.

No offense intended but you sound like the kind of customer that gets fired. You admittedly don't know much about a process (in this case welding) then want to dictate how that process is done to people who do know the process.

My recommendation would be: buy a welder and learn how to weld. No one cares about the quality of the modifications on your vehicle like you do. If it fails, you have no one to blame but yourself.....and you have the tools to fix it now. Besides, anyone in this sport long needs to learn to weld unless they just have insanely deep pockets.

Obviously, your first welding project shouldn't be this bracket...but it doesn't sound like there's a pressing timeline on getting this Jeep back up and running either.

 

[Pmedic920]

No offense intended but you sound like the kind of customer that gets fired. You admittedly don't know much about a process (in this case welding) then want to dictate how that process is done to people who do know the process.

My recommendation would be: buy a welder and learn how to weld. No one cares about the quality of the modifications on your vehicle like you do. If it fails, you have no one to blame but yourself.....and you have the tools to fix it now. Besides, anyone in this sport long needs to learn to weld unless they just have insanely deep pockets.

Obviously, your first welding project shouldn't be this bracket...but it doesn't sound like there's a pressing timeline on getting this Jeep back up and running either.

I’d love to but….

I currently have absolutely no place to do any welding, or even a place to store more tools and equipment without completely pissing off the Mrs.

Long story short, I live in a water front townhouse w/no garage. I’ve considered renting a space but it’s not feasible right now.
My mother in law is what keeps us where we are but that won’t be long now, as soon as we can we’ll be moving to the Bourne Tx area to be close to Daughter and Granddaughter. Shop/Garage will be a prerequisite.

Im aware that a decent welder can be had in a small package but I literally have no more room, I’d have to store it in the back seat of my truck.

ETA
Don’t want to or intend on dictating how someone welds my stuff, just want enough knowledge to recognize if that someone is the guy/gal for me to hire.

You wouldn’t let me stitch you up without asking if I had done it before, would you?

 

[Pmedic920]

I am not familiar with that specific bracket, but most of their stuff I have seen is 1/4" plate. This makes for big gaps and welds that like to pull. Throw up a picture of it so we can talk shit..... I mean help.....

The bracelet is two pieces.
They both need to be welded to the tube AND to each other.

 

[SLOWPOKE693]

Isn't there like 500 Jeep/overland shops near you? Brave Motorsports is definitely one of them and there is also that other shop that does all the JK builds that I can't remember the name of. River Raiders or some shit like that maybe?

 

[Sean]

You wouldn’t let me stitch you up without asking if I had done it before, would you?

Depends on how fucked up I am....any port in a storm, is one way of looking at it. Another is: if I'm going to die without having it done....might as well, I'm already fucked.

Same way as welding on a bracket....it's already broken.

Honestly, if you want to do something productive....any competent welder can do that job, but one big deal with welding is prep. Shiny, bare metal without grease, oil, paint or grime is what you want your weldor to weld to. If you have a 4.5" angle grinder with a flapper wheel and/or a wire wheel....thoroughly degrease, wire wheel (or even sand with the flapper) to get down to clean base metal. Then you could go so far as to sharpie that 11" dimension line so the weldor knows exactly where you want the edge of the bracket....if you're bored or want that level of involvement.

Pretty hard to fuck that up if you've marked where the bracket goes and tell him which surfaces are perpendicular to one another.

 

[giles45shop]

Brave Motorsports is practically in his back yard.


Op, call Dave and have him do your welding.

/thread

Yep - another vote for Brave. Call Dave and talk to him. If they can't fit it in, then maybe he can recommend another local place. When I built my TJ, I wanted to stretch the front and he had a build thread at the old place that did exactly what I wanted. I called him and talked to him about what I wanted to do and he sent me some beautifully welded frame horns and plates for the steering box at a reasonable price. After the sale, I had questions on how/where to cut the frame and some other details. He was great about providing info and helping me be successful with my build.

 

[Pmedic920]

Isn't there like 500 Jeep/overland shops near you? Brave Motorsports is definitely one of them and there is also that other shop that does all the JK builds that I can't remember the name of. River Raiders or some shit like that maybe?

As silly as it sounds, I have zero knowledge of any Jeep/overland shops near me, far away from me for that matter.

I am aware of 4 wheeler parts wholesalers and I think there’s 2-3 of them in Houston but I have no clue if they weld.

Short of paint and setting up gears (and now a small welding project) I do my own stuff.

Only things welded on my Jk are some gussets and sliders, and I don’t have reasonable access to the guy that did that for me.

I have no doubt I’ll find a capable welder, I’m just looking for a bit of information so I didn’t go into it blind.

I do appreciate the advice/opinions that have been offered.

ETA:
There is one place I drive by on the regular but the only things I ever see in the parking lot look like this or similar.
I’m just not interested even if they have a dude that can weld.