I suppose I should have expected this. While pulling the differential,
drive shafts, and rear suspension off this last weekend I discovered the
classic but dreaded rear differential mounting problems. Luckily the
body is off. Sure enough the right side forward mounting bolt - where it
is welded into the cross member was cracked. Stress fracture cracks all
around it. Once enough surface rust was removed inspection of the bare
metal showed indications running 3 to 4 inches in every direction. None
of the other three have these cracks. Classic pathological problem for
IRS as I understand it. So after another brew while contemplating the
end of civilization as we know it (or just an excuse to have another
one) I cranked up the welder and welded up all the cracks. This welding
stuff is fun.
So the long term answer seems to be to fabricate some support brackets
and weld those in to beef up these notoriously weak points. Damn, and I
thought I was going to have some time on my hands to start working on
the front pretty soon.
Mark
CD 2807 (hip replacement?)
CD 4834 L (still in cold shutdown)
CD 7412 L(organ donor)
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