Welding a Powr Steering Cylinder Rod

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Can someone(s) tell me what stick to use to weld mild steel to the end of the shaft (rod) of a power steering cylinder.   My Massey tractor front wheel assist was manufactured with a poor patent and I've bypassed their method with one of my own but I've not had good luck keeping it stuck together.  I only have an old AC Lincoln welder and I've used 7018 rod and 6011 with what seems like proper heat.  Seems to me that shaft might be stainless steel so I assume I need something other than what I've used.  If I can't succeed, I'll have to take it to a welding shop.It's mighty cold in Nebraska these days in my unheated shop and I'm not a young buck either so if you kind folks can let me pick your brains I'd sure appreciate it and maybe I can get this thing up and running to feed the cows.Thanks,Howard
Reply:I've done quite a few hydraulic cylinder rods, grind the chrome back and taper the rod and then go at it with some 7018.It needs to be clean and no old weld, slag, etc.
Reply:Thanks Mr Hall, I'm going to bundle up and go tear it apart (AGAIN) and get my fancy grinder out and do as you suggest.  Maybe I'll even stick my rods in the oven for a bit to dry em out some. Glad to know I don't have to make a trip to town for some rod.......but then I might enjoy coffee with the boys. Heck, maybe I'll do JUST THAT anyhow !I'll check back for further suggestions.
Reply:Took the cylinder off, ground the broken end down to bare metal, tapered the ram and welded with 7018...(I think I bought AC rod last time).   Pushed some snow and fed the cows and it's still in one piece.  History suggests that it could have been pilot error all along.  Wish it would have taken longer as wife had me butchering chickens afterwards.  Thanks, I enjoy this site and keepin my fingers crossed..!
Reply:What J Hall said plus I wouldn clean with some acetone to mamke sure all fluid and fluid film is removed. If its that cold outside you need to preheat and keep the area at gradual cool down after the weld in a warm area such as heated shop.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Check the part with a magnet, to see if it is stainless.  JGSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Well it's been 6 weeks since I welded it and altho I didn't let it cool in a heated shop and didn't use acetone, it's still holding like a champ and it's been through some tough abuse bucking snow, feeding cattle on frozen ground and hauling firewood.  It's a tough little tractor (Massey 698 FWA) but the factory ball joint at the end of the cylinder is a trash patent. I mentioned stainless but it couldn't be....chrome was the right word.  Appreciate all your adivce and if it fails again, at least I have all the facts right. Thanks again guys..