I know a lot of guys on here have installed sleeves on their axles. Did you remove the axle housing from the jeep or did you do all your drilling and welding with it on the jeep?

If you welded it up with the housing on the jeep, Any problems mig welding the holes on the bottom? I've never welded overhead.

Thank you.

 

Also interested in responses.

 

I've heard of people leaving it all attached. CRAZY!!! I installed my EVO sleeves & "C" gussets myself & couldn't imagine doing a good job w/o removing the axle. Just the extra effort & hassle of drilling the holes would take more energy & time than removing the axle. Not to mention the fact that you cant even drill the holes in the recommended spots w/o removing it.

To me it's a no brainer. Plus, you'ld be crazy not to weld the "C" gussets in at the same time. I'd go a step further & weld on the lower control arm skids too. I also welded around the axle housing where it goes into the differential housing. Just free insurance.

I think your plug welds will be much stronger if you have gravity pulling on the puddle. (By welding from the top)

Do it right the first time & you will have a Dana 30 that is stronger than a Dana 44!! (Except for the ring & pinion)

Removing the axle is really quite simple.

 

Removed mine as well. I figured it is simple to do and would make drilling and welding that much easier. Not to mention, then you can rattle can it without taping everything off and re-install. Just a lot enough time to do it if it is your DD. Good luck!

 

Yup x 3, remove the entire housing. You can remove it in less than 30 minutes and it will save alot of time and effort in drilling the holes and doing the welding.

 

So are there no oil starvation issues to the outer bearings when the tubes are now filled with the sleeves? Curious...

 

The outer Bearings are sealed and dont use the diff oil so it is not a issue.

David

 

I have seen it done both ways many times. Just depends on what you feel most comfortable with.

EVO...

 

I figured they either were or were not sealed, so that answers that question!

 

Thanks for all the great replies. I think I will remove it. I am not a professional welder and I'd rather not practice the most difficult welding position on this project. I am very comfortable welding on a top of the axle.