Ford 8.8 axle housing, to weld or not to weld?

[Shawn Anderson]

I have upgraded the 8.8 rear axle housing in my 05 Mustang with strang 33 sline axles, c clip elminators, and a full spool. I seem to not find agreement if I need to weld the axle tubes to the center section?

[Deaf Bob]

At least tacks top and bottom..
If you have brute power, 4 tacks per tube..
They DO come apart..
Some easier than others..

[Aircooled]

It depends on you suspension as much as power.
It is highly recommended on leaf spring cars.
Totally pointless on torque arm F-bodies.
And of questionable value on cars with an upper link or 2 anchored to the top of the diff housing.

[milner351]

What are the high power cars running with your rear suspension? Perhaps make a backyard copy of what they are running.

For my leaf spring set up - I welded the tubes to the center section with the tig - only time will tell if that helped or not. I've contemplated adding a "spine" to the axle tubes welded to the center section - similar in design to what the big guys run - but for my application - probably not needed at all - my junk's slow.

[Shawn Anderson]

My car is a three link with a pan hard rod. I am running all BMR parts all links are heim joint ends and a big drag race arb (35mm I think)

[SuperBuickGuy]

why not?

the only caveat is it's a PITA to get the joint clean for a good weld - grease tends to work its way into the joint, thus when you weld it the grease contaminates the weld.

[tardis454]

I'm tacking the tubes on my 7 5/8..
A welder said heat the cast part of the housing w/rosebud, then weld, says it sticks like glue.