Is welding to the side of the diff like that really a good idea and common practice?

 

fine as long as you don't get stupid and blow through, but that is fixable too. if anything it gave him incentive to crawl under and deal with some of that rust.....that more detrimental to the housing than the welding.

 

No issues welding to axle housing. That's how the stock brackets are attached.

 

I would probably recommend plating that stock upper driver side bracket with some thin steel just to strengthen it a bit, it is going to experience more force than the original design.

 

Hi I joined the club this past weekend. so easy and so much better. My Watts was clunking and rattling and I had already replaced it 4 times in 4 years. One question though, where are you guys measuring to get the rear diff centred? I kind of eyed it up looking at each side from the back but i'm sure there is a more scientific way.
FYI 1.5" more down travel with the pan hard.

 

Has anyone considered a rose jointed A frame as an axle location option. I haven't looked into the pros or cons as such as I use all of my trucks as stock. I'm not sure whether someone even has tried or makes them so far but maybe a better locating system than a Watts or Panhard. I'm not too sure about the ultimate extreme articulation though.

 

What is the advantage of the Panhard rod over a Watts link? I thought the Watts was superior? I can see where a stronger, heavy-guage DOM link or a longer link could be desired in the case of a significant lift, but the Watts is a good design. Isn't it in fact the radius arms that limit flex in the rear?

 

TOTM: Rear Triangulated 4-link suspension - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

 

every little bit helps. watts is a good design has its limitations and can be a hurdle in articulation of a lifted truck. radius arms are the limitation once you overcome that. link it or customize longer arms is the next thing

 

The panhard rod has several advantages, and I doubt there are any real disadvantages.

As an aside, ruffstuff is having a 20% off sale right now until January 1st. That means you're getting a full kit to do this swap for around $145 or so, about half of what the genuine bushings cost.