91Laredo

Not actually going to do it, but ive heard that if you do it right that it is cheaper and more effective than buying a locker. Have a friend who welded the rear end of his explorer and he wheels it hard, jumps it, all while having 33" TSLs and a 5.5" superlift. Is this actually a good idea, is it because his rear-end is a Ford 8.8, or is my friend just lucky?

dangerousdavid

i've heard a lot of people say that its awesome. but also a lot of people say that its the worst thing you can do....i knew a guy that did it to his 8.25 and he crawled up some stuff that i couldn't do before i got lockers. i guess it just depends on how you weld them. some people weld the spider gears to the side gears and some people weld the side gears the the diff. i'd say welding the side gears to the diff is a lot more effective and safe becuase there is a lot more area to weld. more welding area=stronger imo.

4.3L XJ

It works. But I wouldn't even think about it with a D35. Also not a good idea unless you like buying tires.

Destro

I have been told that welding is only good on a dedicated trail rig, or one you only drive to the trails, not on a DD that you also wheel. That could be totally off base though, just what I heard (from someone talking me out of welding the rear on my 95 dodge 1500 w/ 5" of lift and 36" Super Swampers).

chrisdm4

Yeah if your running a weld or spool you will have a hard time turning even with just the back done. I have heard that if the splines are lined up on both shafts it will turn better but I do not know.

4.3L XJ

Doesn't make any difference

FlyingLow

It depends. Correct me if I'm wrong guys but don't lockers have some amount of play built into them to help reduce stress, therefore reducing the chance of breaking something. Welded gears = Zero play.

MuddyCreek34

I have my D35 lincoln locked turning 34s w/o any probs.

I wouldn't wheel any other way.

Don't weld the rear if you plan on it beind a DD, but if you drive it back and forth to the trail, like I do, don't hesisate for weld the rear. You will enjoy it.

a1racer

if you are a dd then don't do it and if you drive in a lot of rain and snow don't do it. but for offroad only go for it

mike37

x2

TrekkerJmm

I had a welded rear in my 74 blazer and in my j20 jeep and both broke axle shafts with 35's but it sure wheeled AWESOME...Tj

heavychevy

Mine is being welded as a type now. If it a just a trail rig I say go for it.

offroadnut36

It wont be that much harder to turn than normal, it just wears the CRAP outta your rear tires on pavement

JeepingDan

sure like everybody said if it's a trail rig go for it. if you drive on pavement no good.