14b FF Axle Tube Steel Type

[ZombieK5]

I need to weld onto my 14-bolt axle and I am wondering if anyone knows the type of Steel the tube is made from? I understand that the center section is cast iron but are the tubes themselves mild steel? I understand that nickel wire is required to weld mild steel to the center section but I'm wondering if I can get away with basic welding wire if I'm only welding to the tube itself?

 

[sweetk30]

Didnt need nickle on my 14ff tube to center weld . Just good clean prep and pre & post heat and slow cool down with welding blanket .

Tubes should be reg old steel is all .

 

[ZombieK5]

Didnt need nickle on my 14ff tube to center weld . Just good clean prep and pre & post heat and slow cool down with welding blanket .

Tubes should be reg old steel is all .

Great. Not welding center. Just a tube Truss that's part of DIY4X "Wraptor"

Then I can use regular MIG Wire that I use for other repairs. Using 75/25 gas.

I may add full welds from Tube and Center. May use Nickle wire for that.

 

[sweetk30]

Guy that did my tube to center welds was old school . He used stick for big heat in the joint . Dont recall # he used . But no shiny nickle color .

 

[JoshHefnerX]

Welded mine w/ mig. No special wire. Just good heat. Still attached out there.

 

[ZombieK5]

Well, preheated to 350+ and did two passes with .03 wire. Wrapped in welding blanket. Was having issues seeing thru my welding helmet but I think this will do fine.

 

[Chickntrk]

No need to pre heat the tubes unless you’re using a small welder with not enough heat, only the center is cast, no different than welding perches on