Casting Strength

[Baseshakers]

So the DS angle with a high pinion 60 in the rear is awesome. Hopefully I won't hit the rear DS as much! The downside however is that there is a nice big piece of cast hanging down as a prime target for rocks. Should I be worried about it?

[ZAEDOCK]

You could grind it some, otherwise it will simply self clearance. Nothing to worry about.

[Frank]

Its reinforcement for the pinion. Id shape it the way you want it to be and not let the rocks crack it. Leave it thick at the pinion shaft and taper it off at the diff. M.O. FjR68

[Baseshakers]

So this is what I'm talking about... A relatively vertical casting section (right around where the dots are)

[ArticRubi]

It'll be fine. You're not the first to run a 60 with 35's

[Baseshakers]

Maybe I'm being too worried, but I did see this a couple years back...

The best guess is that the guy tried to weld to the cast and weakened it, but still...

[ArticRubi]

Well, I don't see the point of doing any clearance work, just makes it thinner. I also wouldn't risk welding anything extra to that cast, it'll weaken it if you do a bad job. You could always just drive to the mall and back, no worries then!

[Baseshakers]

ha ha ha you know me soooooooo well, the ultimate mall crawler jeep right here!

[ZAEDOCK]

The best guess is that the guy tried to weld to the cast and weakened it, but still...

That's a Ford 9". It has a drop out center section so the axle housing is steel.



Regarding your 60, I would shave it down a bit. That's just me though.

[DDewar53]

just get Rockwells and be done with it.

[Frank]

They have the bolt on skid, for pinion protection. FjR68