WJ knuckle swap, Do I NEED to weld the spacer?

xriide · Mar 21, 2015

Just gathering all the parts needed to do the WJ knuckle swap here, and looking at the JKS spacer, do I need to weld it to the knuckle? Doesn't seem like it can go anywhere once bolted in.

I am going to put a couple of tack welds on it, but I do not have a set up to put some real welds into it without worry of cracking.

Johnnie Walker · Mar 21, 2015

From what I gather, they need to be welded.

xriide · Mar 21, 2015

How come though? Will the small clearance in the hole oval out over time if it's not welded?
Does it need a super good weld, or will a few tacks with a 120v welder be ok?

foxwar71 · Mar 21, 2015

Once installed correctly, the spacer helps support the unit bearing, welding it in makes it part of the knuckle essentially for solid support.

xriide · Mar 21, 2015

foxwar71 said:
Once installed correctly, the spacer helps support the unit bearing, welding it in makes it part of the knuckle essentially for solid support.

Ah that makes sense, I'll get a buddy to weld it properly then, oven, good weld and then pack in sand. Just hate welding cast.

garr · Mar 21, 2015

xriide said:
Ah that makes sense, I'll get a buddy to weld it properly then, oven, good weld and then pack in sand. Just hate welding cast.

I think it is a forged knuckle, Not cast. Can someone with more knowledge please confirm this (Or confirm it is cast)!

foxwar71 · Mar 21, 2015

Its cast steel or forged steel I believe, definitely easier to weld. I still did a little pre/post heating but it welded with a 220 MIG just fine. I've done a few cast iron center sections and knuckles are way easier to burn in.

xriide · Mar 22, 2015

foxwar71 said:
Its cast steel or forged steel I believe, definitely easier to weld. I still did a little pre/post heating but it welded with a 220 MIG just fine. I've done a few cast iron center sections and knuckles are way easier to burn in.

Ok, that's good to know then, I'm less worried now.

Jeepedo129 · Mar 22, 2015

I welded mine with a miller 120, I put it in the bbq for a couple minutes and let it cool in sand. However, I've heard from others, because it's forged steel, the heating and cooling isn't "necessary". So, I think you'll be just fine with welding it yourself, unless your welding skills aren't up to it.

WJ knuckle swap, Do I NEED to weld the spacer?

xriide

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Johnnie Walker

Piece of Fish!

xriide

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foxwar71

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xriide

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garr

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foxwar71

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xriide

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Jeepedo129

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