57 3100 front axle in a 46 - 3/4 ton

[dennislbrooks]

Changing the 8 lug to 6 lug front and rear axles - will use a spare 67 - 12 bolt for rear. Took 5 inches out of the 57 axle and will use the 46 front springs with the 57 u-bolts. I will narrow the 57 caster wedges. The 46 will appear as a 1/2 ton when complete. I will go with a shock setup similar to the 57. Replaced kingpins in the 57.

[_Ogre]

i'll go out on a limb here...
i think the lack of response on this indicates it is a bad idea
yes, they are malleable forged axles and yes, you can weld to malleable steel
i don't see much bevel ground on it and no heat signature

if i were to do it i would have ground a bigger bevel, heated it red hot, arc welded with the correct rod
heated it red hot again and covered the whole axle with a blanket to slow cool
from the looks i'd say you have minimal bevel, mig welded it cold and then ground off what little weld you had

a front axle failure would be catastrophic, especially considering it would probably fail hitting a pothole on a high speed curve
i would not have done it

[dwcsr]

I don't know so much if its a bad idea , splicing axles was a common thing way back. I'm more wondering why do that conversion.

[dennislbrooks]

It was done because getting 3/4 ton drums are difficult. My uncle wants to keep a straight axle so using a 57 allowed easier to get and less expensive parts -- 46 half ton parts are expensive also. Everything except for the wheel cylinders from a 67 1/2 ton fit the 57 backing plates even the front self adjusters -drums and all-- had them after converting my 67 to disc.. I will use one of my 12 bolts for the rear- put a 14 bolt under the 67.. As far as the welding ---- It was fitted then tacked with a mig then taken to a certified welder, preheated and welded with 7018 rod. I do not fear it.

My biggest mistake was posting in 47-59 ----- I meant to put it in the pre 47 ------- please move if possible.

[dwcsr]

that make sense now. anything pre 47 is hard to find

[dennislbrooks]

Axle is on --- I am putting 67 rear 2wd shocks (spare parts) on the front instead of the friction shocks. Had to change the axle shock mount around on the driver side and is a little more vertical than I wanted but still should be better than the 46 friction shock. I need to weld the upper mount yet on the passenger side. I will have to increase the tie thread on the tie rod as it needs a little more for toe in. Ordered a new drag link from Chevs of the 40's --they sent me a 47-52 which had the wrong clocking on it. Returned it and if they do not have the correct one will get one off the 41 1 1/2 ton. I am using the stock unsynchronized 4 speed. If you have better ideas let me know.

[dennislbrooks]

Correction -- it was NOT Chevs of the 40's that sent me the wrong drag link --it was Bowtie Bits.