Lower mount on shocks won't hook up to new axle

[1963tradewin]

I just got a new Dexter axle. The axle will bolt up fine with some drilling but the lower bracket for the shocks is welded to the torsion arm. The new axle torsion arm does not have a bracket. Does anyone know if I can weld a new bracket on the torsion arm or will it be damaged?

[richinny]

search for "dexter". i believe you have to cut off the old plates and weld them on the new.

[47WeeWind]

Wait a few weeks. A friend and I are thinking about bolting a lower shock absorber bracket onto a Dexter axle that will go under a 1964 19' Globe Trotter. My situtation should be nearly identical to yours. The new axle has not yet arrived, and once it does we'll need a few days for head scratchin' , measurin' and pencilin'. If it works I'll post photos and details here. If it doesn't you won't hear a peep.

Today it's all just a conception in progress, but if you don't have ants in your pants, wait a few weeks and see if we come up with something useful and perhaps easier than welding.

[1963tradewin]

By the looks of things I think I would rather weld then have bolts. Maybe bolts would be better i dunno. Im trying to have her fully completed in 20 days. Long way to go What im wondering is if i weld it will it heat up that part of the axle and cause damage down the road? I know it might sound like a stupid question but im new to these torsion axles. thanks for the responses 1963tradewin

[AlbertF]

Since you have the old axle, cut off the old brackets (use an angle grinder to grind through the welds), clean them up, and have them MIG welded to the new. MIG is fast and the heat is far more localized than with stick welding; I'd be very surprised if problems resulted.

A friend made up and welded brackets for my aftermarket axles. Using the originals will be easier, and they have the stepped 5/8" diameter studs. The shocks do make a difference, and I recommend them.

[GreatPumpkin]

Originally Posted by 1963tradewin

By the looks of things I think I would rather weld then have bolts. Maybe bolts would be better i dunno. Im trying to have her fully completed in 20 days. Long way to go What im wondering is if i weld it will it heat up that part of the axle and cause damage down the road? I know it might sound like a stupid question but im new to these torsion axles. thanks for the responses 1963tradewin

Use the "search" button above and find many threads on axles - and many different answers. However, I believe the consensus is that you CAN weld on the torsion arm without damage. Other questions about axles tend to excite a few people.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by GreatPumpkin

. However, I believe the consensus is that you CAN weld on the torsion arm without damage. Other questions about axles tend to excite a few people.

Only a few people? your propensity for understatement is overwhelming.
Seriously, you can weld on the torsion arm, as long as it's done in a fast manner, don't dawdle with the welder. When I talked to the dexter reps, they told me to make sure I called them before welding anything to the axles, so the info could be noted, and not void the warranty.

[LI Pets]

Ron (pizza chop) did this





So yes weld away.


.

[1963tradewin]

Thanks for the advice li pets it worked out great