welding gears - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tx71smallblock · 08-05-2007, 03:36 PM

Hey, guys. Anybody know what goes into welding a rearend to make it a posi?
Is it a good idea? Pics and opinions are wanted!!

70GMCer · 08-05-2007, 03:40 PM

If you do that, you'll be hating yourself. Truck won't turn right when driving. It would be good for just straight line driving......

**Stocker** · 08-05-2007, 03:41 PM

afaik, it's def. not ok for the street... doesn't make it a posi (limited-slip), but makes it like a spool, so you can't turn. That's how I recall it, if I'm wrong I'll soon find out!

PanelDeland · 08-05-2007, 03:45 PM

IMHO a "Lincoln Locker" is not a great idea.It's somewhat acceptable for an off road rig or maybe a dirt track junker class or demo derby car.One problem is that the rear tires turn at the same speed.On a street truck it will wear tires much quicker due to scuffing when you corner.Handling is also affected at any speed and depending on road conditions may become very unpredictable.A posi,locker rear end, or a spool is a much better choice.
Remember this is just my opinion and others may not agree.

eedgell · 08-05-2007, 03:49 PM

Welding of the spider gears, was invented by drag racers. Ment for straight awyays. Not DD. If you do it you will ruin your rear for anything future.

cdowns · 08-05-2007, 03:49 PM

it's pretty much a dumb thing to do but if you try it make sure you have a complete rearend handy so you can put it in and drive the junk one to the recycler in a few days

57sailplane · 08-05-2007, 03:49 PM

a spool will give you the exact same efect as a welded rear end. the spool is definatly much stronger.

jeffspower · 08-05-2007, 04:13 PM

It depends on what you are willing to put up with. Years ago,I had a '73 Buick Apollo with no power steering, a 455, TH400 & '57 Olds rear end (looks like a beefier 9 inch). I couldn't find a posi, and was sick of losing races- so I welded it. Even with no power steering & 295/50's on the back, it wasn't bad. When turning sharp the radial T/A's would just make a "scuff scuff" sound. It was my daily driver too. My 17 year old girlfriend drove it all the time.

tx71smallblock · 08-05-2007, 04:56 PM

well what im wondering is how 4x4s drive around with posi's in the back and have no problem! whats the difference?

**Stocker** · 08-05-2007, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tx71smallblock

well what im wondering is how 4x4s drive around with posi's in the back and have no problem! whats the difference?

'Posi' or limited slip allows the outside tire to rotate faster when cornering...

jkeady · 08-05-2007, 06:51 PM

Limited slip uses clutches to allow some slip, but only to a certain point. The amount of slip is limited, if you will.

Some 4x4 guys will weld up the front, lock the hubs, and then shift the tcase in and out of 4wd as necessary to still allow the thing to turn, but give that extra traction when it's needed.

How much of a problem is it going to be for you if you weld up your street diff? Probably not too big a deal, but it'll be hell on your tires and as was mentioned, a spool would be a lot stronger / reversible.

If you are really wanting to do it, search google and you will come up with a couple of pretty good articles on how. Basically you're laying down beads where the side gears mesh to keep then from turning (pretty much how a differential allows, um, differentiation...)

ETsC10 · 08-05-2007, 08:53 PM

skipity,skipity,skipity around the corner...bang, broken.
.

..old Demo car trick...hash one axle and she might still drive around.

BADSAM · 08-05-2007, 09:01 PM

Tx71smallblock, is this a daily driver or a weekend toy?

tx71smallblock · 08-05-2007, 09:31 PM

daily driver, but i dont have the time or know how to micrometer and adjust new gears

bad6772 · 08-05-2007, 10:26 PM

i run a 4.56 gear/spool in my 72 . and even with a spool it makes the whole truck jump or skip over when entering a corner at high speeds. i agree with 57 sail plane run a spool it is stronger and its not that much more than a posi unit

jkeady · 08-05-2007, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tx71smallblock

daily driver, but i dont have the time or know how to micrometer and adjust new gears

It's not worth the effort, IMHO. Do you run your rig at the track or anything? I think if you're just wanting to leave two strips of rubber when you do a burnout now and then, it's really not worth it to lock the rear.

prg machine · 08-05-2007, 11:29 PM

Don"t Do It!! For Any Reason.

corn · 08-05-2007, 11:37 PM

Dont do it. If you do it anyway, do everyone else a favor & NEVER drive it in the rain. Its an accident waiting to happen.

CrashEd · 08-05-2007, 11:55 PM

I do it to my play toys but never a DD if you have a rear flat at 60 mph with big tires you will have a heck of a time keeping it on the road. I trailer my toys to the mud holes. Just get a locker that replaces the spider gears there not the best setup but better than an open rear.
If you do do it jam some nuts in the spider gears and weld them soiled then get some nickel rod and weld the axle spiders to the carrier thats the way i do it and there tough that way. It seams no mater how well you weld just the spider gears up you will end up spitting them out in little pieces or thats what i have found but i 4wheel hard too though
Ed

72 68 andmore · 08-06-2007, 01:29 AM

If a straight road is your choice hell weld em up. I just installed a Richmond Gears Power Trax no slip deal in mine. no clutches and it really works well. It is a bit noisy clunking but it basically replaces your spider and outside gears and thats it. Took half hour. Took longer to clean the pumpkin and cover for a new coat of the black stuff I forget the name anyway it is doing the job. Now I bought it used and only 7 months old I got the receipt with it from Summit was just under 500...........I paid 150 Now would I pay 500...no. Too noisy buy I will leave it for now.

Scott68-93-97 · 08-06-2007, 12:13 PM

Get a detriot tru trac or somrthing similar its a posi/locker that repaces spider gears, pull the pin, yank the side and spider gears, install unit and replace pin, fill er up w/oil and go, a ton of my buddies have the rear welded on there trail trucks and driving one on the street is no fun at all.

Cochise · 10-19-2007, 10:30 PM

Does OPEN rearend meant that only one wheel will spin at any time or does it mean it isn't a Posi-trac?

Cochise · 10-19-2007, 10:31 PM

did that post even make any sense?

BCOWANWHEELS · 10-19-2007, 11:06 PM

better c-clip eliminators also and have a loud speaker telling everyone your comming so they can get out of the line of the wreck fixin to happen......

Longhorn Man · 10-19-2007, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cochise

Does OPEN rearend meant that only one wheel will spin at any time or does it mean it isn't a Posi-trac?

yes, and yes.
an open diff, is a one wheel drive, and that would also, not be a posi

08-05-2007, 03:36 PM	#1
tx71smallblock Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Georgetown , TX Posts: 166	welding gears Hey, guys. Anybody know what goes into welding a rearend to make it a posi? Is it a good idea? Pics and opinions are wanted!! __________________ 70 Chevy C-10 short step 250/3 on the tree Owned: 71 longbed Cheyenne 70 swb

08-05-2007, 03:40 PM	#2
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: welding gears If you do that, you'll be hating yourself. Truck won't turn right when driving. It would be good for just straight line driving...... __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

08-05-2007, 03:41 PM	#3
Stocker 20' Daredevil (Ret) Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 13,580	Re: welding gears afaik, it's def. not ok for the street... doesn't make it a posi (limited-slip), but makes it like a spool, so you can't turn. That's how I recall it, if I'm wrong I'll soon find out! __________________ - Mike - 1972 K20 LWB 350/350/205 RIP El Jay

08-05-2007, 03:45 PM	#4
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: welding gears IMHO a "Lincoln Locker" is not a great idea.It's somewhat acceptable for an off road rig or maybe a dirt track junker class or demo derby car.One problem is that the rear tires turn at the same speed.On a street truck it will wear tires much quicker due to scuffing when you corner.Handling is also affected at any speed and depending on road conditions may become very unpredictable.A posi,locker rear end, or a spool is a much better choice. Remember this is just my opinion and others may not agree. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

08-05-2007, 03:49 PM	#5
eedgell It's the air up here Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 710	Re: welding gears Welding of the spider gears, was invented by drag racers. Ment for straight awyays. Not DD. If you do it you will ruin your rear for anything future. __________________ 1971 cheyenne k10 4 speed np 205 454 BB factory a/c Never drink down stream of the herd! Eric

08-05-2007, 03:49 PM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: welding gears it's pretty much a dumb thing to do but if you try it make sure you have a complete rearend handy so you can put it in and drive the junk one to the recycler in a few days __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

08-05-2007, 03:49 PM	#7
57sailplane Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Nebraska Posts: 583	Re: welding gears a spool will give you the exact same efect as a welded rear end. the spool is definatly much stronger.

08-05-2007, 04:13 PM	#8
jeffspower Well, Whoop-dee-do! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Easton, Mo. pop.- me & scarcely a few others Posts: 2,302	Re: welding gears It depends on what you are willing to put up with. Years ago,I had a '73 Buick Apollo with no power steering, a 455, TH400 & '57 Olds rear end (looks like a beefier 9 inch). I couldn't find a posi, and was sick of losing races- so I welded it. Even with no power steering & 295/50's on the back, it wasn't bad. When turning sharp the radial T/A's would just make a "scuff scuff" sound. It was my daily driver too. My 17 year old girlfriend drove it all the time. __________________ '68 GMC shortbox 4x4 350/SM465/T221- bought it in '83 SOLD '72 K20 500 Cad/TH400/NP205 SOLD '92 Chevy 2500 6.5 mech TD 4L80E crusty daily driver '72 Monte Carlo... sweet low mile toy '11 Dodge Challenger IE 392 6spd... midlife car

08-05-2007, 04:56 PM	#9
tx71smallblock Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Georgetown , TX Posts: 166	Re: welding gears well what im wondering is how 4x4s drive around with posi's in the back and have no problem! whats the difference? __________________ 70 Chevy C-10 short step 250/3 on the tree Owned: 71 longbed Cheyenne 70 swb

08-05-2007, 06:51 PM	#11
jkeady Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Salem, OR Posts: 127	Re: welding gears Limited slip uses clutches to allow some slip, but only to a certain point. The amount of slip is limited, if you will. Some 4x4 guys will weld up the front, lock the hubs, and then shift the tcase in and out of 4wd as necessary to still allow the thing to turn, but give that extra traction when it's needed. How much of a problem is it going to be for you if you weld up your street diff? Probably not too big a deal, but it'll be hell on your tires and as was mentioned, a spool would be a lot stronger / reversible. If you are really wanting to do it, search google and you will come up with a couple of pretty good articles on how. Basically you're laying down beads where the side gears mesh to keep then from turning (pretty much how a differential allows, um, differentiation...) __________________ Josh '70 Custom Camper / 20

08-05-2007, 08:53 PM	#12
ETsC10 Hand Crafted C-10 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Burien, WA Posts: 5,180	Re: welding gears skipity,skipity,skipity around the corner...bang, broken. . ..old Demo car trick...hash one axle and she might still drive around.

08-05-2007, 09:01 PM	#13
BADSAM J'ville Junkman Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pomeroy, Ohio Posts: 572	Re: welding gears Tx71smallblock, is this a daily driver or a weekend toy? __________________ 72 3/4t Suburban 402BB (Daily driver for 8 years) 68 GTO (never ending proj) 91 Kawasaki ZX-7R 57 Chevy 210 Wagon - 9 Passenger (Wife's project-working on floorpans) 73 Corvette (17 yr old daughter's: Another project - what's wrong with me?) 53 Willys M38

08-05-2007, 09:31 PM	#14
tx71smallblock Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Georgetown , TX Posts: 166	Re: welding gears daily driver, but i dont have the time or know how to micrometer and adjust new gears __________________ 70 Chevy C-10 short step 250/3 on the tree Owned: 71 longbed Cheyenne 70 swb

08-05-2007, 10:26 PM	#15
bad6772 Official Site Guitar Shredder Join Date: May 2006 Location: Oz Posts: 3,955	Re: welding gears i run a 4.56 gear/spool in my 72 . and even with a spool it makes the whole truck jump or skip over when entering a corner at high speeds. i agree with 57 sail plane run a spool it is stronger and its not that much more than a posi unit

08-05-2007, 11:29 PM	#17
prg machine Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: oregon Posts: 1,069	Re: welding gears Don"t Do It!! For Any Reason.



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08-05-2007, 11:37 PM	#18
corn Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: here Posts: 5,789	Re: welding gears Dont do it. If you do it anyway, do everyone else a favor & NEVER drive it in the rain. Its an accident waiting to happen.

08-05-2007, 11:55 PM	#19
CrashEd 72 chevy Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central Il Posts: 725	Re: welding gears I do it to my play toys but never a DD if you have a rear flat at 60 mph with big tires you will have a heck of a time keeping it on the road. I trailer my toys to the mud holes. Just get a locker that replaces the spider gears there not the best setup but better than an open rear. If you do do it jam some nuts in the spider gears and weld them soiled then get some nickel rod and weld the axle spiders to the carrier thats the way i do it and there tough that way. It seams no mater how well you weld just the spider gears up you will end up spitting them out in little pieces or thats what i have found but i 4wheel hard too though Ed

08-06-2007, 01:29 AM	#20
72 68 andmore Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 54	Re: welding gears If a straight road is your choice hell weld em up. I just installed a Richmond Gears Power Trax no slip deal in mine. no clutches and it really works well. It is a bit noisy clunking but it basically replaces your spider and outside gears and thats it. Took half hour. Took longer to clean the pumpkin and cover for a new coat of the black stuff I forget the name anyway it is doing the job. Now I bought it used and only 7 months old I got the receipt with it from Summit was just under 500...........I paid 150 Now would I pay 500...no. Too noisy buy I will leave it for now.

08-06-2007, 12:13 PM	#21
Scott68-93-97 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fair Oaks, CA Posts: 475	Re: welding gears Get a detriot tru trac or somrthing similar its a posi/locker that repaces spider gears, pull the pin, yank the side and spider gears, install unit and replace pin, fill er up w/oil and go, a ton of my buddies have the rear welded on there trail trucks and driving one on the street is no fun at all. __________________ 1968 Short Fleet 350/700r4 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=249435 1997 Bagged XtdCab Vortec350/4L60e http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...44#post2286144 1993 XtdCab Longbed 4x4 6.5Turbo/NV4500 "Daily Driver" 1985 Toyota XtdCab 4x4 22re/W-56/Dual T-cases, Doug Thorley Header, Homebrew front and rear spring packs, Tons of Mods to suspension and drivetrain, 35" boggers, coming soon ARB's and 5.29's, Possible 4.3/700r4 swap

10-19-2007, 10:30 PM	#22
Cochise Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Rogers, AR Posts: 298	Re: welding gears Does OPEN rearend meant that only one wheel will spin at any time or does it mean it isn't a Posi-trac?

10-19-2007, 10:31 PM	#23
Cochise Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Rogers, AR Posts: 298	Re: welding gears did that post even make any sense?

10-19-2007, 11:06 PM	#24
BCOWANWHEELS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: KINGSPORT,TN. Posts: 3,035	Re: welding gears better c-clip eliminators also and have a loud speaker telling everyone your comming so they can get out of the line of the wreck fixin to happen...... __________________ I BELIEVE IN JOHN 3:16

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