Gears & Axles - Welding 10 bolt axle tubes

I'm not putting any money into my 10 bolt but wondered if this is worth doing? What exactly does having them welded do for strength?

IMO i wouldnt do it. can cause probs. do things the 'right' way the first time so u dont run into any trouble in the end

i just caught my pun. 'trouble in the end':jest:

You mean just go 9" then? I am real interested in the 8.6 for my power level but I don't see much progress in that thread.

ya i wouldnt even mess with the 10 bolt. not worth it. go 9" or 12 bolt

I've been bracket racing my '01 formula since late '00 and have replaced one broken posi unit. I race 3-4 times a month. My 2 cents is to run it if you have an auto and your launching at less than 2,500rpm.

An auto can go ALOT farther with the 10 bolt. had it been a M6 car I wouldnt even bother.

welding the tubes is a good idea (keeps the tubes from spinning which is the problem), GM only put two spot welds on each side, that is one of the weak spots for a 10 bolt. I have mine done along with a lot of other things that have been done to "bulletproof' the 10 bolt. And for half of what a 12 bolt or 9" would cost. Now if you are planning on doing some hardcore drag racing well then it may be a good idea to change to a 12 bolt, etc. I am well over 400 RWHP and have zero problems. If you do weld the tubes you will need to disassemble the unit because weld that area will produce ash that must be cleaned out before you reassemble the unit.

welding the tubes is a good idea (keeps the tubes from spinning which is the problem), GM only put two spot welds on each side, that is one of the weak spots for a 10 bolt. I have mine done along with a lot of other things that have been done to "bulletproof' the 10 bolt. And for half of what a 12 bolt or 9" would cost. Now if you are planning on doing some hardcore drag racing well then it may be a good idea to change to a 12 bolt, etc. I am well over 400 RWHP and have zero problems. If you do weld the tubes you will need to disassemble the unit because weld that area will produce ash that must be cleaned out before you reassemble the unit.

I welded mine several years ago as well as several upgrade ,detroit locker/3.73/mosier axels/girduel/adjustable lca/lower brackets/adjustable ta/adjustable panhard/hooser 315-35-17 dr, and mt 275-40-17 dr
running above on a4 cutting 1.64
ps: rear has 74k on it ,I did have the pin waller loose on the OE alburn pos at 50 k
(I do have a 9 in setting on the side waitting to go in)

my .02' Johnny

id love to see some pics of these 10 bolt builds

I forgot..I have a M6 too! I get great satisfication when I take a 10 bolt for example and make it work and without breaking, plus the fact that this is what this is all about with our cars anyway! Just like a good Marine, improvise, overcome and adapt :D

I had mine welded a few years ago when I was rebuilding it. If nothing else, it stops the dreaded tube weaping and stays cleaner longer. :)

Biggest issue with welding the tubes is to make sure they do not flex/ Once you put heat on that diff they will want to bow like a bannana. Make sure you check the straightness of the tubes if you do weld.

Jeff

definitely stagger the welds. do small spots at time and let it cool, that way you'll have a less chance of the tubes flexing and getting weak

i wouldnt do it !!

not worth it lol :)