Hi, I was just wondering if anyone has repaired the front diff case on a chevy silverado by welding it? I had a bolt from the ring gear come loose today and get pushed through the case of the differential. There is no other damage to the gears, and the hole in the housing is about 1.5" across. I think it is cast aluminum.
The truck is a 2000 chevy silverado 1500 ext cab 4X4 5.3L.

 

Anybody know?
I just pulled the CV axels so i can still drive it this week.

 

Anybody know if this is a special alloy that can't be welded, or can a weld shop just TIG it?

 

you realize that the cv axle shaft and nut help tension the front wheel bearing. if you drive it with the shafts remove the bearings will be wrecked.

 

yea, just realized that the hard way.
Anyways, does anyone know about the welding? I was told by one person there is a magnesium alloy in some castings that ignites and makes it impossible to weld?

 

I believe that to be true.