Tig welding transmission housing

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A friend has a transmission that the case is broken all the way around approx. 4 in. up from where the tail shaft bolts to it. He asked me to try and weld it up. He knows there is no guarantees that it will work out. I told him I would like to try plus he was planning to junk the case so if we cant fix it he isnt out anything. The casing isnt very thick so it shouldnt be hard to TIG it. I was planning to clean the area good and bevel the edges into the crack. Anyone have any experience in doing a job like this? The tranny is a GM 700R4 out of a 4 wheel drive. Any recomendations on tungsten type to use? This is a learning process not a paying job so any information would be helpful.
Reply:Originally Posted by bhardy501A friend has a transmission that the case is broken all the way around approx. 4 in. up from where the tail shaft bolts to it. He asked me to try and weld it up. He knows there is no guarantees that it will work out. I told him I would like to try plus he was planning to junk the case so if we cant fix it he isnt out anything. The casing isnt very thick so it shouldnt be hard to TIG it. I was planning to clean the area good and bevel the edges into the crack. Anyone have any experience in doing a job like this? The tranny is a GM 700R4 out of a 4 wheel drive. Any recomendations on tungsten type to use? This is a learning process not a paying job so any information would be helpful.
Reply:I agree with the post above, for what ever my opinion is worth.Two turn tables and a microphone.
Reply:I hope your welder has some balls.  Total disassemble and Clean Clean and Clean.   It may help to pass the torch over the crack with no filler to bring the junk to the top, then clean again.Being broken all the way around, it will probably not be a good case when done.  Too many passages and locaters inside.We need pictures before and after.  You will learn on this one.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I'm in Chattanooga, bring it to me and pay a reasonable amount I will fix it and let you watch and show  you how to do it.
Reply:as an off road enthusiast, Im very interested as to how this tranny got busted up. the  gm 700r4 is known to be pretty tough.
Reply:It may be obviously broken in one place, but there may also be further hidden cracks in other places.A thorough clean and a really close inspection may save you further grief later on.Cheers,  Tony._________________________________Transmig 310 + Argoshield LightOxy acetyleneOxy propanePrehistoric stick welder_________________________________
Reply:If it were me i would 100% go to the junkyard and get a case. 700r4s are a dime a dozen. I could buy three with the time(money) it would take to weld 1. Now if it were something rare it would be a different story.Last edited by travisc454; 01-12-2012 at 08:04 PM.www.performancealuminumfabrication.com
Reply:I'd think it would be good to practice on.LibertarianLincoln AC/DC 225Everlast PowerPlasma 70 Hobart IronmanEverlast PowerTig 200DX
Reply:I will try and get some pics over the next few days and post them. This is definitly a learning project and the guy that owns the tranny knows this so he isnt expecting anything miraculous. Thanks for all the input and suggestions.