Expert: Harold - 5/16/2004

Question
Harold,

I have a 1967 Chevelle with 427 big block pushing around 450 hp.  I am building the rear end now.  I have 3:73 gears,Eaton Posi,and Moser axles with a GM 12 bolt housing.  I am running a 1970 Muncie M-21.  I have heard that it is a good thing to weld the axle tubes to the housing since they are just pressed in. I guess my question is, Do I need to actually do this?  And if so, do I need to put the housing in a jig when welding it?.  Thank you for your time,
Jeremy

Answer
This is outside of my area of expertice but I can tell you that I have never seen a 12 bolt tube pull out. The trick to welding the tubes in would be to not let it get to hot as it may warp. So if you weld it in sections, letting it cool down inbetween welds you should be ok without a jig.
By the way, 67 Chevelles are my favorite cars of all time.