BOSTON4RUNNER

So about a week ago, I noticed some seeping in the rear axle housing of my truck, it was so minor that not even a drop of fluid was on the ground.

The rest of the frame, truck is solid but I guess after 300k something had to give up to rust.

I undercoated it and it was fine, but I did notice that the e-brake tab seemed weak and that there was some seeping there as well.

Last night I came out from work, complete in shirt, tie, Doc Martens...I see a puddle underneath the axle. I drove to my family's house which is in the same city as where I work, changed, grabbed some plate - fabbed an oversized patch, ground off all the rust, undercoating etc, drained the axle.

Went to weld the plate on after forming it on the vice, bench etc. The welder was out of wire - drove to home depot, bought the smaller spool of .030, went home, went to toss it in....it was the wrong type of spool! I then came up with washers and spacers to make it work.

I welding it up, ground it down, epoxied all the seams to be safe, tossed new fluid in, all seems well so far. In fact now with paint, simply looks like a beefed up housing. I checked the rest of it and there were only two spots that were pourous - all is well.

zlathim

Nice work Boston.

BOSTON4RUNNER

thanks!

not exactly what I wanted to do on a Thursday night, but better than a car payment. I was able to stop at the Irish pb near my house on the way home to grab a couple beers and watch the Sox so all is well.

Anyone else have this happen with their axle housing?

Regards, Tim

jason191918

I might need to do that soon...mine is leaking worse and worse from where the brake line bracket is welded on.

BOSTON4RUNNER

ugh

same as mine! I would take the time now, fab up a nice plate, drain fluid, weld it on and epoxy it on the seams.

I am fairly confident as a welder, but wanted to be sure.

No leaks yet