Mule Front Cross Member Tear

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Jeeps4Brains
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Mule Front Cross Member Tear

Post by Jeeps4Brains » Mon Mar 27, 2017 5:42 am

I noticed this on my mule when I bought it but the front cross member has a vertical tear in the metal just left of the hand brake lever. I am thinking someone tried to tow it and jerked it tearing the metal. It looks like it has been put back in place but the tear is still there.

I have been reading about the magnesium decks on these mules and you can catch them on fire.

What I want to do is grind out the tear and weld the cross member back together. How concerned should I be welding up that tear if I get close to the magnesium deck?

Alan
45' MB, ??' MBT, 47' CJ2A, 48' CJ2A,
51' M38 #1, 51' M38 #2, 51' M100,
52' M37, ??' M101A1 (1st Gulf War Vet),
53' M38A1, 53' M211, 65' M151A1, 67' M416,
MVPA #31724


muleman7
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Re: Mule Front Cross Member Tear

Post by muleman7 » Mon Mar 27, 2017 7:27 am

Be not overly concerned. I have Gas and TIG welded magnesium. But Be CAUTIOUS. I would bend a piece of sheet metal or use 2 x 2 angle or flat stock to shield the bottom of the deck. Where you get into trouble are magnesium fillings they ignite easily and can carry over to the bed. A piece of 1/8 x 1 inch strap on the inside would be a good backing. Mig welding will give you the best control of heat due to its ease of starting and stopping over stick electrode. But with Mig you will need to control-contain the sparks.

Salt or a class D fire extinguisher are acceptable to control and put out burning magnesium.

http://www.fireextinguisherguide.co.uk/ ... -metals-2/
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Jeeps4Brains
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Re: Mule Front Cross Member Tear

Post by Jeeps4Brains » Wed Mar 29, 2017 3:54 am

I have read where sand is effective on mag fires as well. Alan
45' MB, ??' MBT, 47' CJ2A, 48' CJ2A,
51' M38 #1, 51' M38 #2, 51' M100,
52' M37, ??' M101A1 (1st Gulf War Vet),
53' M38A1, 53' M211, 65' M151A1, 67' M416,
MVPA #31724

muleman7
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Re: Mule Front Cross Member Tear

Post by muleman7 » Wed Mar 29, 2017 6:36 am

Yes sand can be used, while the sodium chloride in the presence of heat causes an air-excluding crust.
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www.m274armymules.com


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