As in have to involve rocket science??

Is it a that big of a PITA if balljoints are still in place and axle on jeep?

It's a 2012, 16,000 miles, had haven't been off road since putting on 35s.

I know about taking the welding a little at a time, and switching sides, while keeping the bjs cool with wet rags.
But anything else that can cause problems? It seems easy, but also don't wanna damage my housing or Cs.

Here's what I have for options... I will provide the gussets...

4wd shop that has experience in axle and fabrication builds... $150 to prep, weld and paint when done

Mobile welder comes to my house, 25yrs experience on trailers, farm equipment, axles for cars and trucks.... $60, I do all the prep work

Friend owns 2 body shops, 30 yrs in business I take it there and help him, he welds for free.

Is this a simple task or not. I'm paranoid Lol

 

It is a simple task, I left my stock ball joints in and have had no issues with them. I want to say I've put about 8,000-10,000 miles on the stock ball joints after the c-gussets were welded with no issues to date. I'm currently at 36k miles on my 2012. Only prep work to be done would be:

1) take the wheel/tires off
2) grind off any paint in the areas being welded
3) weld on the c-gussets
4) re paint bare surfaces

 

Sweet..... I'm just over analyzing .... Seems bout as simple as it can be.

Some make it sound like the axle housing will crumble to dust

 

Nope, just take your time and make sure to keep the area cool. Also watch out for any lines or wires that may be in the way. Wouldn't want any sensor wires getting fried

 

Worth asking which C gussets your installing? The arctec ones have you welding right next to the ball joint, I cooked my friends when we welded his on, but we were planning to replace them anyway. Alternatively, I used the Rock Krawler C guessets on mine
(don't go nearly as far up as the Arctec ones) and had no issues. That said though, the upper C still get's VERY hot at the ball joint even with those.

 

I was considering Teraflex or Purejeep... Just a simple backbone design. Not looking to encase the whole upper C.
Don't wheel at home, just once year if we go out west. And still won't be hardcore at that. Only problem is I hear TF might not fit properly

 

See this thread about ball joints. Post #34 shows evidence of possible welding heat damage. https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/stoc...esults-116058/

 

I had mine welded for a case of beer. It was a welder that did some welding out our building for a security cage and asked him if he wouldn't mind. Did it in his garage and the time consuming part is the cooling. Actual welding time is not long, but constantly had to soak the ball joint in water to prevent it from cooking. Ended up taking a couple hours just due to the cooling.

 

OK, excuse my ignorance, but is it possible to weld while running water on the ball joints to keep them cool?

 

Nope can't do that