i have a 87 sammy with 29x8.50 swamper tsl tires was thinking of welding the front , only drive on the trail( no rocks just kentucky mud and trail) want your opion

In the offroading world it's called Armstrong Steering.

In the music business, drummers call it Popeye Arms.

That is what your arms will be like after a few hours of driving with a welded front differential.

You may develop a liking for it, but more likely you'll think "What the Eff was I thinking??"

Most folks put a semi-locker (look! I coined a new term!  NOT!) like an EZ Locker up front.  They are designed to release (the signature popping sound) when the strain between the face of the center section and the face of the side gear (or a special sidegear replacement part) gets so large that the two pieces separate allowing fee rotation for a moment.  This type of locker is pretty inexpensive (around $200.00) compared to a true locker like an ARB or KAM that switches from full lock to open at a press of a button.

I have driven a truck that had an ARB-style locker up front and while it was great offroad, I am glad I had the ability to switch to the open differential mode at the throw of a lever.

Hope this helps!

my welded diff lasted about 350 miles with 30" tires and  about 100 miles with my 33's, the metal is way too hard to weld, you could lead it maybe, it took my bearings with it when it let loose, I almost had to put it in low range to get home and it froze up when I did get home.

my buddy welded his rear end up, he was DDing it about 100 miles a day and it held up...but his 32 swampers didnt, they are lookin pretty bald these days, but if you not going to be on roads hardly ever its no biggie, just try and find some power steering and it will make life so much easyer.


Amilla