Rear Axle Messtoration

[Dodge]

A plasma cuter would do a pretty good job of getting them down close enough to grind.
See if there is a mobile guy near you. Or see if you can rent one.

[olebmw]

Thanks for all the info and suggestions.

[ursus]

Having started this thread and asked for suggestions, I need to follow up. With no access to a plasma cutter or welding torch out here in the sticks, I started in today with a cutoff wheel on the grinder, chopped off the welded-on rear shock mounts, and ground off the welds with a grinder disc. It was tedious work, especially because I had to be careful not to cut into the axle trumpets.

Next up, I will fab up a plate to mount to the braking plate flanges to check with a trammel for any variation in the distance between as a test for distortion caused by the previous welding job. So far so good and thanks to all for the suggestions.

[barrelnose]

I was going to say the easiest way(still need to get to the backing plate faces),is get a straight edge,measure equal distances from the axle centre line then measure between these marks,front then rear. If it’s shown to be bent you can run a light weld on the opposite sides where the brackets were,once straight you can quietly grind off those welds and the job is done.
Easier than rebuilding with more tubes,and just as strong as standard.
All the strength is in the conical shape of the tubes.
IMHO

[Russ/40]

Regarding "barellnose's method. You can do the same heat shrink without the welding.
Get an area red hot on the side you need to shrink, then cold quench with a heavy wet rag. Recheck results as needed. I use this process for straightening steering columns and wheels. It works very well, and no cleanup afterwards.

[barrelnose]

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Originally Posted by Russ/40

Regarding "barellnose's method. You can do the same heat shrink without the welding.
Get an area red hot on the side you need to shrink, then cold quench with a heavy wet rag. Recheck results as needed. I use this process for straightening steering columns and wheels. It works very well, and no cleanup afterwards.

I totally agree Russ/40,
Speaking for myself though,I always have a welder on hand,not always oxy/Acet though.