Steering Bell Crank Cast Iron or Cast Steel?

["D"- Man 827]

Would anyone know if the Steering Bell Crank on an 18 Automatic is Cast Iron or Cast Steel?  Aside from brazing, what would be the best way to weld one? 

[squonk 41,638]

I'd say cast iron. And even if it's steel I'd take to someone who knows how to weld iron. Pre heat, nickel rod and slow cool down.

[stephan07 10]

I would second having some who wekd cast iron fix it. on a high stress part having done correctly is very important.

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

[pacer 3,174]

Its cast - definitely! and as others have said, it needs to be done by a knowledgeable welder. Cast is can be welded easily by a professional, but can be a problem in the average home shop. Thats not to say it CAN'T be done at home, but if you arent sure go and get it done right,

[857 horse 2,581]

THIS IS JUST A THOUGHT,,,,,

WATCH THE PLACES WHERE YOU CAN FIND A USED ONE...

NOT CRACKED...MOST LIKLEY THE COST OF WELDING IT

 

JUST  A THOUGHT....

 

AND WHEN IT SNOWS,,PLOW A NEIGHBORS DRIVEWAY....YOU GET A FRESH BAKED PIE

LIKE I DO..  LOLOLLO

[buckrancher 2,694]

Part should be cast steel looks to be to flimsy for cast iron

 

Brian

[wallfish 17,112]

Apparently the trick to welding it is not knowing it's an issue. I cut the ears off of all 4 cast steel clevis ends for the cylinder rods on my backhoe and welded on steel tubes. Used the cut cast end so I didn't have to weld tubes directly on to the chrome plated rods. 6 years of hydraulic ram pressure pushing and pulling at full force and never had a problem. I had no idea it could be a problem. Beginners luck!

Cast iron is a different story.

["D"- Man 827]

Thanks, gentlemen for the replies.  The Bell Crank pictured was on an 18 Automatic that had a flat front tire and was setting for years.  I tried to turn the steering wheel too far and it snapped.  I am not actually inquiring about this, in order to repair the one in this picture, however; I am doing a modification on the steering to accommodate larger tie-rod ends, and consequently needed more room between the Bell Crank and frame.  So to accomplish this I  cut out a section of a different Bell Crank and wanted to have it welded to my good one. This will also require that I  cut and weld a section of a second bushing to the same height as the extended Bell Crank, and additionally a second grease zirk.  I gave these pieces to my nephew and he in turn is going to have his welder friend see if he can weld them.