We had the opportunity to do some trail repairs this weekend on an 85 Runner. Thought I'd post up the equipment we used to fix a broken steering J-arm. As with any trail repair, this should be considered a temporary fix and the repaired part replaced before your next trip.
EQUIPMENT
1. Went to my local welding shop and asked for a selection of the most versatile rod they had in a variety of sizes. Ended up w/ 24 rods from 1/8" thru 5/32" dia.
2. A split apart set of 16' x #4 jumper cables for lead and ground.
3. Made up two 24" x #4 cables w/ terminal ends to link up batteries.
4. A #12 picture window lens for eye protection. A set of welding goggles is a good option too...
5. Work gloves.
6. Fire extinguisher.
BATTERIES -YOU MUST MONITOR BATTERY TEMPS TO AVOID BOILING THE ACID AND POSSIBLY CAUSING AN EXPLOSION
1. Optima’s or other gel type batteries are the best. Standard plate type batteries heat up much faster.
2. Two batteries hooked up for 24V will usually strike an arc w/ the 1/8" rod. It can be difficult the get a weld started, but once it starts, it'll burn OK. Trimming off the shielding from the rod tip helps get it going.
Three batteries hooked up for 36V will burn a 5/32-rod with ease. Trimming off the shielding from the rod tip helps strike the arc.
HOOKUPS:
For 24V:
Hook up ground cable to battery #1 negative, positive from bat #1 to negative post bat #2, positive bat #2 to welding lead.
For 36V:
Hook up ground cable to battery #1 negative, positive from bat #1 to negative post bat #2, positive from bat #2 to negative post bat #3, positive bat #3 to welding lead.
EQUIPMENT
1. Went to my local welding shop and asked for a selection of the most versatile rod they had in a variety of sizes. Ended up w/ 24 rods from 1/8" thru 5/32" dia.
2. A split apart set of 16' x #4 jumper cables for lead and ground.
3. Made up two 24" x #4 cables w/ terminal ends to link up batteries.
4. A #12 picture window lens for eye protection. A set of welding goggles is a good option too...
5. Work gloves.
6. Fire extinguisher.
BATTERIES -YOU MUST MONITOR BATTERY TEMPS TO AVOID BOILING THE ACID AND POSSIBLY CAUSING AN EXPLOSION
1. Optima’s or other gel type batteries are the best. Standard plate type batteries heat up much faster.
2. Two batteries hooked up for 24V will usually strike an arc w/ the 1/8" rod. It can be difficult the get a weld started, but once it starts, it'll burn OK. Trimming off the shielding from the rod tip helps get it going.
Three batteries hooked up for 36V will burn a 5/32-rod with ease. Trimming off the shielding from the rod tip helps strike the arc.
HOOKUPS:
For 24V:
Hook up ground cable to battery #1 negative, positive from bat #1 to negative post bat #2, positive bat #2 to welding lead.
For 36V:
Hook up ground cable to battery #1 negative, positive from bat #1 to negative post bat #2, positive from bat #2 to negative post bat #3, positive bat #3 to welding lead.