Topic: cost/trussing an axle

[REG535]

how much does it cost to truss an axle i already bought the knuckle ball gusset kit ? with the truss on top and the back rear axle trussed too? i asked around today at the shops in cortez, one said he dosent know how much it would run, and the other said $1000 !!

[DTB]

Why do you need to gusset the rear axle?

What year is your axle? You probably dont need a gusset on the top on the front axle either...

I DO recommend gusseting the knuckle balls for sure and steering stops.

Can you weld? I am guessing not....

To install the knuckle ball kit I would guess about 1 hour welding time (by a professional) IF you disassemble the axle yourself. The knuckles have to be pulled off to install them

[REG535 [OP]]

oh, no i cannot weld, but my dad can, is there anyway that i can rent a welder?? i doubt it.,

[NorCalToy]

thats crazy talk! none of your friends or family have a welder or anything?

[slabcs]

I'll do it for $900.

But seriously, either don't bother with it, or get a buddy to help you out.  Paying somebody like that to do it would end up being more expensive than just replacing a bent housing.

[REG535 [OP]]

ya, i thought that was a crazy price and stuff, am never going to that shop again lol. anyhow, my dads friend has a welder i think, maybe he can help us out, thats the only person i know, i dont have any friends though ahha.
evenutally i will either learn how to weld myself or me and my dad and his friend can help me later down the road. it doenst have to be done right this minute or this year, but hopefully soon. as u can see am in no rush.
thanks guys.

[jimbo74]

I'll do it for $900.

But seriously, either don't bother with it, or get a buddy to help you out.  Paying somebody like that to do it would end up being more expensive than just replacing a bent housing.

and you can upgrade to a wider rear end housing for $150 with bigger drums if you are savy on finding deals....

[jimbo74]

i personally would go this route

http://www.datinfab.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=197

http://bluetorchfab.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=19_20&products_id=302 x2 (front/rear)

http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/images/suzuki/frontaxletruss.jpg
http://www.sky-manufacturing.com/axle_differential.htm


not sure if you can use the btf one with the upper truss.... but.... if you can, would be tits.... and having all of that professionally installed still shouldnt be $1000

[Tallchevy]

To install the knuckle ball kit I would guess about 1 hour welding time (by a professional) IF you disassemble the axle yourself. The knuckles have to be pulled off to install them

That depends on the kit you get. You might have to grind the gussets to make them fit.

i personally would go this route

http://www.datinfab.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=197

I like the shock mount on that one. That's the Trail Gear one.

[jimbo74]

That depends on the kit you get. You might have to grind the gussets to make them fit.
I like the shock mount on that one. That's the Trail Gear one.

probably is, but im not actually getting it from the devil..... when i do get it.... usually the stuff from datin actually says if it is a tg part, but the page it is on, doesnt say its tg..... oh well.... its also possible tg jacked datin's design or datin makes them for tg..... datin is a tg dealer... but datin also makes their own stuff as well

[DTB]

That depends on the kit you get. You might have to grind the gussets to make them fit.

  True..so grind the gussetts before you take it to a welder.....

[Tallchevy]

  True..so grind the gussetts before you take it to a welder.....

I like to weld first then grind but I'm bass ackwards 

[DTB]

I like to weld first then grind but I'm bass ackwards 

I thought I was the only one! 


Problem is that it is rather difficult to grind on the curved, machined knuckle ball surface. It really needs to stay smooth for the wiper seals to seal up nice

[YotaJosh]

oh, no i cannot weld, but my dad can, is there anyway that i can rent a welder?? i doubt it.,

Yes, you can rent welders. Most Home Depots that have a Tool Rental department usually have a 110V Lincoln Flux Core that works decent.

There's probably other places, too. Most commercial/industrial rental place have some, but most are tow behinds with a generator, and pretty spendy for a rental.

[REG535 [OP]]

thanks for the help guys, i appreciate it. i will get this done eventually.