Joeblow Jig



With the next diffs i make i will do something like this but made 10x stronger with more braces to adjust for different mounts welded on etc.. Keeps everything in line. That jig will still bow depending on welding

The main thing is, Take your time welding them! I have bent braced lux diffs with weld and no jig. So easy to get carried away. I got them striaghtened @ 250 each..

but using an old diff centre, pulling the spider gears out
finding a rod that fits snugly in through the carrier and making up some alloy or steel pucks for the outer ends that sit in the bearing housings and sit snug over the rod

thus keeping the housing straight with the rod in all directions.

Even that jig, You will need a jig to make the jig

That 30mm rhs would bend on every weld of those plates

Thats funny, I don't remember you standing over my shoulder watching the process of making that jig.

Any knucklehead could turn that into a banana. If you know how to weld, can predict how something will move when welded and take your time you would be amazed at what can be done. And that jig has better tolerances than a factory diff.

Oh, and it was placed in my mill and run over the journals with a dial indicator after welding.

Alot of talk here is based on cutting and butt welding, not something you realy want to do on a diff. The reason I start from scratch with my housings now is so there are no butt welds. Tubes etc are machined fit for both centre housing and bearing journals. You do not want the welds taking the full load.

If you have to ask how to do a job like this then chances are you won't be able to do it properly.

As Joe says above, you need to know how things are going to move when heated and welded.

im thinking some thing similar to this.
https://chassisengineering.com/shopDeta ... uctId=1838

but using an old diff centre, pulling the spider gears out
finding a rod that fits snugly in through the carrier and making up some alloy or steel pucks for the outer ends that sit in the bearing housings and sit snug over the rod

thus keeping the housing straight with the rod in all directions.

If you have to ask how to do a job like this then chances are you won't be able to do it properly.

That's a good link Darren,

Subscribed to this thread and watching closely for ideas

but how do we learn if we dont ask the questions.

As far as butt welding goes or not, is it a better idea to machine up some sleeves to sit tight inside the join and weld to them aswell?

give some advice on what sort of sleeves to use?

exactly, and practice and experience is gained by trial, error and asking questions.

Could you maybe offer your experience up and give some advice on what sort of sleeves to use? and other hints and tips?
my point is that people without practice and experience are going to try this with or without your advice. so maybe you could help us along and impart some knowledge.

excellent info!

i would guess that the rear bearing housings could be cut off carefully, remaining tube bit removed and pressed on to the shortened tube similar to your description of the front.