I Need Help!!!!!!!

admin

I  have no idea if im in the right spot for a thread like this but here it goes. I am a beginner welder that is  going to try and attemp a straight axle swap on my Toyota T100. Im trying to find the cheapest MIG welder that can do the job good. I know nothing about them except that they cost alot.  I dont even know if what im doing is considered light fab or heavy duty fab. Anyways can someone please give me some advice on  the best welder for my needs!!!! thanks
Reply:How much experience do you have welding? Your getting into some pretty serious fab work that not only puts you at risk if it fails but also others on the road. Go down to your local metal yard after you buy a machine and pick up a bunch of scrap. Start making yard art until you’re confident in your welding abilities. There are a lot of complicated welds (up side down, horizontal) that will have to be made in critical areas in order to complete your swap so practice those too. As far as machines, a small 220 unit will be perfect for the average swap a long with protection and whatnot up to 1/4". I have a miller 180 and it does everything I ask of it. Eventually, like me, you will want a bigger unit for longer duty cycles and overall performance but they will cost more $$$.LaterJoel"Stupidity should hurt"
Reply:Thanks for the resonse!! I was hoping the 180 would be okay. And yes I planned on practicing a ton. I assume deeper the weld the better and stronger.  But  i will just get a 180 and practice my *** off. The front  spring hanger is what im worried about  welding. Well i can always bring it to a welder after im done and  have them go over it  and check it  any other things i should know?
Reply:as you practice post fotos here, and  if you're still worried about the  front spring hanger you gonna haveto practice more...and none of this  " i can bring it to a welder " stuff....you become a weldor...
Reply:Originally Posted by YotaT10095Thanks for the resonse!! I was hoping the 180 would be okay. And yes I planned on practicing a ton. I assume deeper the weld the better and stronger.  But  i will just get a 180 and practice my *** off. The front  spring hanger is what im worried about  welding. Well i can always bring it to a welder after im done and  have them go over it  and check it  any other things i should know?
Reply:Originally Posted by YotaT10095Thanks for the resonse!! I was hoping the 180 would be okay. And yes I planned on practicing a ton. I assume deeper the weld the better and stronger.  But  i will just get a 180 and practice my *** off. The front  spring hanger is what im worried about  welding. Well i can always bring it to a welder after im done and  have them go over it  and check it  any other things i should know?
Reply:Thanks for all the responses! I am going to practice a lot till i feel comfortable. I have a lot of pictures of welds, but it would be great to have something i can look at in person.  I have a dana 44 and i  have to cut out the IFS suspension  first.  The rear just is going to get springs. I want to put shackles under frame i think. It will add lift.The only thing that  has to be fabed really is the front hanger.ANd just to make sure, does everyone agree that my miller 180 is good to do the job? thanks for the replies once again
Reply:Personally i would go with a hobart handler 187 a great welder for less money. Or if you already bought the 180 it will work just fine.
Reply:A SAS would not be one of my fist projects so good luck.LOLWeld a lot of practice pieces, included some pieces out of position.....all before you ever touch the IFS.
Reply:Originally Posted by YotaT10095Thanks for all the responses! I am going to practice a lot till i feel comfortable. I have a lot of pictures of welds, but it would be great to have something i can look at in person.  I have a dana 44 and i  have to cut out the IFS suspension  first.  The rear just is going to get springs. I want to put shackles under frame i think. It will add lift.The only thing that  has to be fabed really is the front hanger.ANd just to make sure, does everyone agree that my miller 180 is good to do the job? thanks for the replies once again
Reply:Thanks for the replies once again. I got a miller 180 for 650 brand new at a local store going out of business. I  plan on practicing a lot before i make  a hanger for my truck. I   have went to all the forums and found everything i need to know about the swap. Im very confidant on doing the swap. I have done one before as well, but i didnt do the welding and i cant contact the guy i was neighbors with at the time. I am going to weld some pieces at all angles and  post some pics so you guys can give me an idea of how im doing. If thats okay. I am hoping to get a professional to weld a couple things for me so i have a physical  example to look at as well. thanks everyone!