Weld axle tubes, steel to cast iron?

[Justin00Stang]

I want to weld the steel axle tubes to the cast iron center section, on my Mustang 8.8" axle.

Is using the MIG a bad idea? I've seen it done before. Or should I use the TIG, if so which rod?

The tubes are already decently attached, I wouldn't say the weld is highly critical...just extra insurance for racing.

[imported_Blackplague]

309 stainless is going to be the rod

to use whether you use mig or tig. If you are going to mig, you'll have to switch to straight argon. Before you do any welding clean the tube\housing area real good, then take a torch and heat up the tube\housing area {not for preheat} but to clean out any axle fluid that has leached by the axle tube\housing press fit. It's best to use a housing jig, because the heat input from welding, may cause distortion.

[HAWK]

Blackplauge,

Just a question: I have always used 98% argon with 2% oxygen for preheat on 309 filler. What's the advantage of running 100% argon?
I am speaking in context of the MIG process.

Thanks

[imported_Blackplague]

There is no advantage to 100% argon

I seen that justin had a synchrowave and wanted him to use the 100% argon over the argon/co2 mix.

[HAWK]

Blackplague,

What about MIG? Do you use 100% argon for SS 309 there also? I've never tried pure argon on mig, except aluminum. I know it works well for 99% of TIG rods. I have always thought the 2% oxygen in the argon gave the SS enough preheat for better wetting action and penetration.

[imported_Blackplague]

Hey Hawk,

Your right about the argon/oxygen mix for mig on stainless, but if justin wanted to mig the axle tubes, all he has to do is swap the bottles from the synchrowave to the mig welder, because the argon/co isn't going to work real well.