Spring perch crack/leak 96 T100

[MoCoNative]

Well, one of the worst issues I found with my new to me T100 is a leaking axle housing at the spring perch.

It was fully disclosed to me last weekend when I purchased it. I was a little nervous about it, but it is not the end of the world of course. The guy I bought it from had the oil changed and had the rig checked over last week. The inspection noted some slope in the steering idler, which I confirmed last night, and a leak on the rear axle, at the spring perch. The shop, to the tune of $211, fixed it by running a new bead of weld on the front and rear weld/interface of the spring perch to the axle. I saw the fresh welds at purchase, it looked fine so I was okay with it.

Well after driving it home, and around, I was checking everything over very thoroughly last night and found it is still seeping there, evident with fresh oil accumulation and dust.

I need to clean it up real good and see what I can see, but is there more I should do to fix this? Or did I just get taken.

Any advice would be appreciated, truck is in excellent shape otherwise, pics soon I promise, still in the checking it over stage.

[kcowyo]

Originally Posted by MoCoNative

I need to clean it up real good and see what I can see, but is there more I should do to fix this? Or did I just get taken.

I wouldn't call it a common problem, but there have been those who experienced a cracked spring perch on the passenger side. Basically the recommended fix is welding it again.

Not sure if yours was a rush job or why you're still experiencing seeping...? A re-weld is your best option unless you want to fork over $$$ for a new housing.

I'll PM you some links you may find useful (if you haven't already found them).

[MoCoNative]

Thanks for the link, good information, I'll have to look through it.

I don't mind trying to weld it up, I'm, just unsure of welding there, and if the extra welding across the tube itself will only make the tube more brittle and prone to cracking more. I'm also wondering if anyone did any reinforcing in that area and what is recommended.

I have a good wirefeed welder, is that sufficient. I'm a pretty good welder, just not a pro, so I'm unsure of proper applications of welding techniques. Guess I looking for a pros advice here on the proper approach for this repair.

I'm thinking of taking the U bolts and stuff off, so the entire perch mount is accesible and running a three pass bead all the way around the perch. Does this sound good. I don't want to warp anything, or as I said above, over weld it and make the tube weaker.