What is the material of stock front spindles? Weldable? Got a 67 stout with 78 spindles and discs swapped on and want to make some drop spindles by modding stock ones. Was going to cut about a 2 inch piece out of the top and cut and add it to the bottom to raise the spindle, effectively making a drop spindle. This going to be doable? This metal going to weld or not?
i think its crap cast metal. if you know about welding cast go for it, if you never had i wouldnt do it.
Most likely made from cast iron. Not very weldable and on such a high stress part, I wouldn't trust even the best welders to weld that piece. That's my $0.02.
Yep, it's Cast Iron. It is weldable, but I would never attempt it on a spindle. Like SuperRA said, it's a high stress part. I know if it cools too quickly, the weld is very likely to crack away from the cast. Very tricky.
ok. thanks for the input. Was going to take it to the welding shop at my school and see what the instructor could do but my guess is he will say the same thing... Maybe time to make custom tubular spindles..hmm
Ya from what I understand the 80s drop spindles can work on the older trucks. Also they are cast steel, not iron. I have reworked stock spindles before, but its tricky and I would not recommend it. The way you mentioned doing it really is not the correct way. Not even close, I see stress risers in your design that would fail. Also if you look at the spindle design, your idea is not likely possible. Also do you know anything about spindle geometry? KPI? Ackerman? These are very important things to know going in.
Yeah, soon as the cast came into play, I knew I wouldnt be modding stock spindles. Done my share of welding cast (both steel and aluminum) and I dont like it, nor would I trust the entirety of my truck on welding some. Im gonna grab a spare set of spindles still, and look into making a set of tubular spindles. Unless anyone else has a good idea to get 4 inches or so of drop out of the front of a 67 stout (without bags)
