Front shock bulkhead mount welded

[dawolf]

Well my new to me 03 Viper seems to have had the shock mounting tab broken off the bulkhead and rewelded at some point. Found it when I removed some old gunk covered heat tape.

Is this a common thing on these sleds?

Looks like a decent weld job should I be concerned? How hard is it to replace a bulkhead?

This thing is starting to remind me of a "free" puppy, crossed with my first boat...

Thanks

Duh-g

 

[BETHEVIPER]

I have never seen one just break. they have been in accidents, pulling the shock backward and twisting the top or breaking them.

I think it depends on the welder really. As far as I know, aluminum should be annealed after welding for full strength but there is alot of meat there so it might be fine.

To remove and install, you need to swing your suspension down, or remove it. Exhaust comes off to access the bolts for radius rods. These are the hardest things to break free. Heat the heads up with a torch, yamaha loves locktite, even on locking nuts. You can work around the bellypan if you try but it is quicker to just remove it.

 

[99srxracer]

I have a bulkhead if ur interested. No cracks or welds

 

[dawolf]

Thanks guys. Looks like a big job for an inexperienced guy with limited tools.

I'm going to run it over to a mechanic in the area and see what he thinks. (I'd post pics but no camera at the moment.). Glad to know replacements are out there if needed.