Welding top link on rear end????

[railroadgoat]

Top link on my 8N was torn loose by a tree falling on tractor. It is attached by about 2 inches, rest is sprung up away from rear housing. What is the best way to have this welded up ?? Special rod or ???? Thanks

 

[Ultradog MN]

It wont work to weld one. A used center housing is the only way to repair it.
Think about having it break while you are lifting a load with your boom pole. You know, like setting a V8 in your buddy's pickup. Ouch!
Could break with a draft load on it too. Punch the top link right into the differential. Then you'd be looking for a whole rear end. Cry.
I welded for years. Wouldn't hesitate to weld up a block or axle. But I would never weld the top link ear back on a center housing. Never.
PS. Junk yard will try to scalp you on a used center housing. But keep in mind they Never sell. Ever. They get scrapped. Ask Jim UT how many he's sold. So don't hesitate to beat on them a little.

 

[Dunk]

(quoted from post at 19:46:40 06/11/10) Top link on my 8N was torn loose by a tree falling on tractor. It is attached by about 2 inches, rest is sprung up away from rear housing. What is the best way to have this welded up ?? Special rod or ???? Thanks

I sure would like to see pics before I went off the deep end like UD did.

I also am not sure what can and what can't be welded on these tractors, as I have done some welding on some parts, and it surprised me how well it worked.