Spindle question

[dirt_bandit]

i dont think a stock cast spindle should really even be welded on? but someone can correct me if i am wrong

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[Philip]

I have asked the same thing and been told different answers. I would personally never do it and would never reccomand someone else to do it. You really have to know what your doing.

[Byrdman]

After welding to a stock cast spindle, like a gusset or other fabrication work, is it recommended to re-heat treat or just normalize the unit. I'm wondering because the spindle body is cast, and the plate or gusset is cold rolled steel- two different materials. I've heard a few different ideas, just need some imput before I send the units to a metalurgist.

[mosebilt]

forged spindles are ok to weld on (just pre-heat them),cast is no-bueno.

[Byrdman]

How can you tell if they are cast or forged? They are early Ranger spindles, once heated up properly, they welded very nicely.

[MH20]

Rangers are all cast. What type of welding did you do to them?

[Byrdman]

MIG- I've seen some gusset work done to the stock spindle, especially re-enforcing the steering arm and plate work to use after-market calipers and if done properly, works just fine.

[ntsqd]

I'll guess that cast iron vs. cast steel is being confused. Iron doesn't weld very well and would be pointless to try to gusset. I'd be very surprised to learn that a spindle was made from cast iron.

Cast Steel, on the other hand, should be weldable if the normal techniques used with thick sections and/or highly stressed parts are followed.

[MH20]

MIG- I've seen some gusset work done to the stock spindle, especially re-enforcing the steering arm and plate work to use after-market calipers and if done properly, works just fine.

I actually have a set of Baker spindles on my truck with exactly that setup on them and have yet to have a problem with them.

[Byrdman]

Thank you very much!!