I need to find a swingarm for an '86 LT250R. Mine has a crack on the rear of it where the axle passes through. The crack is on the bottom and runs all the way across the left side, do you think this is something that could be welded if I cant find a swingarm?

 

I think i would try getting it welded together before i shelled out the money buying a new swing arm, but that just because i work at a fab shop, and i can weld aluminum. The only thing is that you would have to replace your bearings in the swing arm. But you might be able to check on EBAY they might have somthing.

 

Will it be as strong? I dont think its to critical as far as stress goes being at the bottom rather than at the top where it would seem all the stress is but obviously it broke for some reason down there. Whats a new swingarm run and can you even get them from Suzuki anymore?

 

Well when your riding the weight of you and the bike is pushing down on that weld. Everytime you jump or pull a wheelie it puts a stress on that weld cause the rest of the swing arm is pushing down on it and the weight of the bike is pushing down on it. That makes that weld want to pull apart on the bottom and push together on the top. Also it's a fact that a weld is the weakest part of a piece metal. but if done right it will be very strong and you wont have a problem with it again. Some of the cheapest after market swing arms are like $400 and i've seen some to like $800. But those are like Lonestar, Laegers, arens. Let me correct myself now it says in this dirt wheels mag, L.S. $525+, Laeger's $544.50+, Arens $549+. You mrcycles.com, or call Suzuki wholesale factory a 1-877-797-BIKE, or call Suzuki at 1-800-860-0686.Sorry about being long winded, but when it come to quad that's how i get.

 

Thanks for the help wood. I'll give them a call and I'll also try to find somebody that could weld it and see what they think. If they believe it will hold I'll trust them. Its actually cracked in two spots now that I've knocked off the couple pounds of dirt it had on it. The second one is on the lower shock mount and doesnt look like it would be a problem to weld.

 

just to let you know that the weld on a piece of metal is NOT the weakest point, it is the strongest point, if welded correctly!! when you see a broken weld it is not the weld that is broke it is the seam that is usually broke ,this is do to incorrect fuseing of the base metal.
i thought you might like to know that (i have a degree in welding technology)

 

A degree in welding aye, is that the same thing as a certified welder or do you actually get a degree? Anyways, I've found another swingarm and I'm having this one welded. That way my weekend wont be ruined if I happen to kill one of them. I found one for $30 that had a small crack that was in an easy place to fix. Thanks for the help, Aaron.

 

yes, i am a certified welder and i also have a college degee in welding technology. i am glad i could help.
maddmatt