Busted spider gears

[04Cat500]

I've got an 04 500 FIS 4x4. I just got this thing back, it was stolen from me 3.5 years ago. I pulled the front gear box because of front end noise and saw there was a hole in the case. When I pulled the chunk I noticed the spider gears were pretty much gone. I know guys that have welded up the gears before to make posi's on cars. What would it hurt if I welded up the spider gears on the front dif? Thanks

[04Cat500]

well no replies yet. old set was locked up already so I'm going to give it a shot. welded the spider gears up tonight and will start putting it back together tomorrow. I imagine the only problem I will have is turning with 4wd engaged, it just won't turn as sharp. I'll let yall know how it goes.

[BATTLEGUN]

Now this is interesting! I'm def. interested in how this works out for you. Pictures are cool if you can snag em and post em up for us.

[04Cat500]

I'll try to take some when I get started back on it

[GRIZZLYWIZARD]

That is interesting. I am anxious to see how it turns out.

Only downfall is that it'll probably be tough to turn while in 4x4.

[04Cat500]

sorry forgot to take pics. front end is back together just ran out of time for test run. I did start it and engage the 4wd it everything was pretty tight, no unexpected noises etc. it's also pretty smooth with 4wd disengaged. I should be able to finish it up this week sometime and will post how everything turns out.