What is an Axle Truss? An Axle Truss is simply a metal structure that is either bolted or welded to an axle housing to increase strength. In my case since I am building a linked desert truck I chose to go with the back brace style. You can also run them over the axle, or below the axle, though this way robs ground clearance and is not the preferred method.
I went with a weld on type back brace made by Giant Motorsports. Though the kit comes with laser cut plates and a pre-bent tube it still requires a great amount of trimming and fitment since not all housings are made alike and the ravishes of age may have taken their toll on your housing.
I purchased my truss but if you are an experienced fabricator it is possible, and relatively simple, to design and build your own. I myself have trussed axles before, but for the time and aggravation saved the Giant kit is well worth the money spent.
After the brace was all welded up I gave it a healthy coat of POR-15, a rust inhibitive coating that is often used by classic car restorers on old and new frames and body parts. I made sure to do this now while the metal was still clean to hopefully prevent rust from ever forming. The rest of the axle will be coated as the rest of the parts are attached.
As with everything, always were proper safety equipment and take extreme care when working with hot metal. One must also take precautions to prevent warping of the axle housing which can be found detailed elsewhere online or with a simple phone call to your local axle shop.
Stay tuned for Part 4 of the Budget 9" Build!