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Don't get me wrong, not trying to dispute somebody else's opinion just stating my own. I also realize this is getting slightly off topic from the original question.
Just because they are a good welder, doesn't mean it was done right. And doing a welded diff takes less time then setting up a locker. I'll admit that the first attempt often doesn't work and here are examples:
- my 14-bolt - had a professional and certified welder at work TIG weld it, and it lasted exactly one trail ride (strictly lack of weld surface). Had a friend who welds as a hobby put it back together with a flux core welder, had about 20 times as much weld surface and no problems after 4-5 years.
- 78Buford's D70 - had a welding shop do it, lasted I think one ride (again, lack of weld surface). Took it to a friend who added about 3 lbs. of welding wire to it hasn't failed since (see below).
- Sami with 'yota rear axle - guy did it himself, first attempt he was focusing on trying to make it look pretty and again not enough weld surface. After it broke he welded the crap out of it also...no issues either.
78Buford has been running a welded rear D70 for years now with 42" Swampers (5 psi) and a 469 estimated to put out 500+ ft-lbs. of torque. In light-weight mode it tips in around 6,000 lbs., heavy-weight mode it was 7,000 lbs. Last November he hit Devil's Brew in Slade with the tach pegged at 5k rpm and all four tires bounces off the ground and slammed back down under full throttle (he runs 1410 u-joints and has chromos and bling joints in the front). That is the way he drives on any real nasty obstacle.
Another guy runs a stretched Sami on 'yota axles with a 300+ hp aluminum head 302....okay, it's technically a Sami but not exactly lightweight with a 100" wheelbase, V-8, C6, D300, winch, cage, etc... with 35x16 Boggers at 5 psi in the rear. Again, he's run for years with no failures.
But again, if you don't like welded diffs then that's perfectly fine.
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