has any one welded spider gears on a ttb?

I was thinking about doing this to a hd dana 44. i was just wondering if anyone has tried it and if it worked good ? The truck doesn't go down the road . I just use it on the property I own for fun and as a wood hauler.  

ye we did it on a 96 model. ithas 35 inch km2's. we break a hub from time to time, but the center has been in for almost 2 yrs. it is a daily driver  

thanks for the info. this one is a 91. I welded the rear diff about 4 years ago and drove it as a daily driver for a couple of years. It's held up good.  

Was that 96 a f150 or a f250?  

Say goodbye to your ability to steer though. Ford power steering systems of that era are overwhelmed pretty easily by a welded front diff (I know, when I lock my ARB locker (same as welded), straight-ahead is about all it wants to do lol).

I'd seriously consider an Aussie Locker or other lunchbox type locker in it (a little more $$$ than welding it, but well worth it IMO).  

I was thinking I would run it with one lock out locked in at a time unless I get stuck or something then I would lock them both in  

If you get stuck, it might be too late (the truck will have already sunk if it's mud or sand you get stuck in).

I think the Aussie Locker was only around $300 or so last time I checked, though it's been awhile.  

I don't want to stick any money in to it. I've welded straight axle fronts before and had good luck. I've just never done it to a ttb and was just wondering if it would hold up.  

the 96 is a f150. the steering is still working good, but my 79 f150 did have problems after we welded it.i sent the steering gear to PSC in Azle Tx. They ported it for an assist ram, but so far their rebuild is working perfect without the ram. it was less than $400 including shipping. weve also had good luck with mini and full spools.someday ima get me one of those fancy selectables. everybody knows theres no place to quit. even when its right you still want more.  

Thanks for the info. This one is a 91 f250. I don't want to stick much cash in to this one I got a couple of other projects that I'm sticking to much money in  

Snowtruck:
I don't want to stick any money in to it. I've welded straight axle fronts before and had good luck. I've just never done it to a ttb and was just wondering if it would hold up.

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No difference really between a straight axle D44 and a TTB D44, they're both made of the same parts, biggest difference is the TTB has the u-joint in the middle (the middle normally isn't as stressful as being out at the steering knuckles when you're trying to turn anyway).

I'd say go ahead and do it then if you've welded frontends before. Sounds like you're already familiar with what to expect.  

Thanks for the info. I was kinda worried about the center u-joint,  the flexing I don't know if it adds extra stress being welded, and i was worried about any of the brackets cracking like I've seen on some plow trucks  

I ran a welded gm corp front end with 38.5 boggers for 3 seasons mud pit drag racing. The Dana 44 is very similiar to it. The only problem I ever had was broke axles but usually when looking for side bite. Be Careful driving with one hub locked in. If you forget and gas it, it can turn hard enough in one direction to hurt or break a wrist. My truck puts down about 500 Lb/ft and it held up. A welded front end is  good for digging in a straight line.  

Thanks for the info