I torched the brackets off my front and rear diffs today. I made a little groove in the housing where the torque bracket was.
Please tell me that I can have this welded/filled in and then grind it smooth!
It's about 1/8" deep.

 

You can't weld with a torch? Just kiddin', it is a little tricky. Yes, in answer to your question. I wouldn't worry about doing that at all, sounds like the only answer at this stage anyway. It'll hold up just fine.

 

You probably should gusset the area as a precaution. If you are already planning on welding on one of those after market upper gussets, you should be okay.

It shouldn't break, but could crack... causing fluids to leak depending on location. If it was me, I'd weld it, smooth it out, gusset it and run it.

 

I plan on a gusset, but I still like to have that area welded up and then I could smooth it out. Just for peice of mind if nothing else.

 

I went to someone I know. He welded them up, grinded it a little and presto, good as new (cost me $20). After I get the axles sandblasted I will see if they need a touchup.

 

If you do good welds they are stronger than the steel. You should be ok.