Ready to build frame

[Ashleymeadow]

Should the axle (torsion in this case) be bolted to the frame or welded on. I have seen it both ways.

Jerry

[Dale M.]

Either or..... If its bolted it might be easier to make repairs (or replace) if ever need be....

Dale

[dh]

Both have thier advantages. Bolted can be easier to replace or repair, but there is no way a welded axle can get out of alingment and its easier/less time consuming to install.

[oregonguy]

I like bolt on personally. It does take longer and is more effort, but I think it's worth it. There is also the question of applied heat... My brother and I learned the hard way what a little heat can do to a torsion axle...not good, had to be replaced!

What we do is weld grade 8 bolts through 1/8" strap steel. Then we drill two holes the Bottom of each side of the frame to accept the bolt heads. Then we weld the strap steel to the bottom of the frame. This allows us to bolt the axel directly to the frame without weakening the frame with through-holes. Hopefully that's not too confusing... There's a picture in the "streeter build" section of my website that illustrates the idea, if my description isn't clear enough...

[Ashleymeadow]

I see it, but I don't see it! I like the idea, but I can't see where the bolt heads are. If it is under that 1/8" plate, you much have drilled out a hole in the frame!

Thanks,
Jerry

[aggie79]

Or you could purchase the brackets, weld them to the frame, and bolt the axle to the brackets.

[oregonguy]

I see it, but I don't see it! I like the idea, but I can't see where the bolt heads are. If it is under that 1/8" plate, you much have drilled out a hole in the frame!

Thanks,
Jerry

We did in fact drill holes in the bottom of the frame to accept the bolt heads. I know that sounds scary, but when we weld that plate over the holes we get all the strength back. The pic was taken sort of mid process, before some of the welding had been completed.

[Ashleymeadow]

Okay, now I understand. I think that is how I will do mine.

Thanks

[oregonguy]

Okay, now I understand. I think that is how I will do mine.

Thanks

One thing to think about, is bracing the frame before you apply that much heat to a midpoint. If you don't brace the frame around the area before you apply a significant weld to the bottom of the frame, it will bow the frame as the metal cools.

[David S]

Heres Mine, may be over kill, but I always like to build on a good foundation

[asianflava]

Mine is welded, but as mentioned, you can go either way. One of the concerns about welding is that there is a possibility of the heat damaging the rubber inserts.