Is it done before or after the crank is assembled and can it be done after its assembled? This is for my RD which is essentially a banshee crank except for the flywheel side taper.

 

After, on the crank pin so the crank does not twist on a built or stroked motor.

 

Isint the rod in the way though?

 

there is a picture of a welded crank about 3/4 down this page, its welded from the side.

If you think of the crank pin as a pivot point and how the whole crank could twist on that pin you can see why welding the crank to the pin would stop it

 

Ok I get it now. For some reason I thought they welded it on the inside side. Guess Ill go ahead and get it done. I read somewhere that it messes up the alignment though, is that true?

 

Done right it shouldnt mess anything up or they wouldnt do it. Have a shop look at it first to make sure its true, then have them weld it.