TIG Welder in KC/JoCo Area

[DuManchu]

Does anyone have a recommendation(sp?) for a good TIG welder in the KC/Johnson County area? I need to have my transfer case fixed after a chunk broke off around the fill plug.

Please refer to my dramatically titled thread:
"CATASTROPHE!!! Transfer Case Broken..."
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=75218

 

[66fj40x2]

If ya don't find one up there I have access to one in Wichita.

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

what broke? on an 80 series? is it leaking or just a gussett? I broke a gussett of a Splitcase and never gave it another thought.. It's been a while since I"ve been inside an 80 series tcase tho.. Can't remember back that far.

 

[DuManchu]

Basically someone, before I bought the truck, overtightened the fill plug and when I went to snug it up the aluminum around the broke off and stuck to the plug.

Picture 1 - The portion of Aluminum stuck to the fill plug, notice the top-to-bottom crack.

Picture 2 - The backside of the fill plug and aluminum chunk.

Picture 3 - The transfer case, missing portion of metal.

 

[NStimac]

My buddy just got a nice TIG he might be able to work somthing out with you. He also lives in Lenexa. PM me your email address and I'll forward it to him.

-Noah

 

[inacoma]

maybe try alumiweld?

 

[DuManchu]

Ok, does anyone even KNOW of a place that can do this kind of work? I would like to get this done this weekend as I finish off rebuilding the starter and do the PHH. I just want to be able to drive it again.

 

[kc_chevota]

Ive got a tig give me a call day 816 523 8082 night 832 754 0052

Rob

 

[trainrech]

Harrison Machine Shop & Welding
806 Kansas Ave
Olathe, KS 66061

(913) 764-0730

Started by searching www.yellowpages.com for "welding", ended with a phone call to them asking if they could TIG cast aluminum.

Search is your friend.

 

[DuManchu]

Thanks for the number, I get a little intimidated when it comes to this kind of stuff since I don't know anything about welding and I don't always have the answers, plus I don't want to make an idiot out of myself.

 

[tornadoalleycruiser]

Give Rob a call, he might look scary but that's not his fault!

 

[Craig C]

Tig available in Belton

Did you find someone to weld you T-case?

 

[DuManchu]

I decided to put a rubber expansion plug in it, it works for now. I think I'll end up ordering the new t-case piece from cdan when the time comes. If someone can weld it on the cheap I might do that, but like I said, the plug is working just fine right now.

 

[Craig C]

Let me know if it fails

 

[DuManchu]

Let me know if it fails

Well, decided to pull the plug again and take a look at it after being in the t-case for about 3 weeks its apparent the oil has weakened the rubber in the expansion plug.

Now I need a more permanent solution, am I to assume you are offering your services (you'd be paid of course )?

Thanks,
-Andrew

 

[Craig C]

Yea, I'd help you out. I'll have to practice up a bit, been a while since I've welded any aluminum, but thats not a big problem. I am a little bit concerned about the "crack," especially because of the open gap. What is forcing the threaded aluminum part to open. Is that the correct plug? Is there a gasket underneath the head of the plug? Is this a daily driver?
CC

 

[DuManchu]

Not a daily driver, that piece of aluminum is split and now in two separate pieces (almost 50/50 split, it came apart when I removed the plug from the aluminum). There was no gasket under the head of the plug.

How hard would it be to weld a new threaded bung on the case and put a new plug in it?

Not sure how I want to fix the case yet. I'm still waiting on an email from Slee to see if he had any parts laying around.

 

[Craig C]

See what parts are available. If it was mine, I would tear down the t-case replace or repair the broken part (weld it inside and out), possibly rebuild T-case (bearings, gaskets, and seals) depending on overhaul parts costs, as well as previous operating condition and reinstall it. I would put a new bung assembly in the old case rather than try to use the old parts if it were up to me. Charlie V and I will be working at my shop on Sat 2-25-06. You're welcome to join us if you can get parts together by then.
CC

 

[DuManchu]

See what parts are available. If it was mine, I would tear down the t-case replace or repair the broken part (weld it inside and out), possibly rebuild T-case (bearings, gaskets, and seals) depending on overhaul parts costs, as well as previous operating condition and reinstall it. I would put a new bung assembly in the old case rather than try to use the old parts if it were up to me. Charlie V and I will be working at my shop on Sat 2-25-06. You're welcome to join us if you can get parts together by then.
CC

If I tear down the t-case I will just order the new rear case and rear extention housing from CDan.

I don't know about rebuilding it, how's the life on one of these things? Wouldn't figure it would wear out any time soon.

I don't know what to do, all I know is I don't want it to be a nightmare.

Maybe I'll just head to your shop and have you take a look at it and give more opinions. Until then, I think I'm gonna use a neoprene expansion plug (way more oil resistant than the other one I had).

Thanks,
-Andrew