Differential Bridge Restoration

[KVH]

Here are some pics of the Restoration I completed of the front and rear differential bridges of my '66 TR4A. Despite no evidence of cracks from a quick examination of this rust free vehicle, a more thorough examination showed cracks on both front brackets.

Pieces were welded on the front bridge to "box in" the two brackets, but we also welded interior plates onto the front studs that spanned the interior of each bracket.

For the rear studs we welded plates to the upper channel, and to each stud, and then boxed in the interior side. We added plates to the lower ends of the rear bridge.

Finally, we added plates onto the outer portions of the front bridge to strengthen the area where each spring bears.

This would have been impossible without my good buddy from high school.

 

[KVH]

Just adding to prior post:

 

[hondo402000]

that looks really good, did you use a stick welder or a mig welder, thats something I should do too

Hondo

 

[KVH]

My friend used a wire feed welder. I'm not sure what the difference is between that and a MIG welder.

We had the car up on a lift for about 6 hours. Some of the time was spent getting all the old paint off the weld locations, protecting the body (and gas tank) from heat, using heat shields, etc.

We also emptied the gas tank ahead of time, and pushed the car onto the lift. The spaces were close, but not impossible to reach.

I thought this was just "preventative" until I saw those hairline cracks on the front bridge plates.

Good luck with your project as well.