Reapir to Hydraulic Ram (weld)

[HankStains]

Hi guys, looking for some advice. The stubby ram (1 of 2)which controls the slew on my backhoe has broken. The nut which is screwed onto the end of the ram part has snapped off.
Should I drill and tap or try and weld the nut and threaded part back on. The ram shows about 1/8" of bare steel before the nickel plate starts. it is a 30mm ram and only about 1' long. If I weld will I ruin the seal. If I thread, what size and pitch should I use. I can take the ram out with out any problems..
Does anyone know how much i could expect to pay for a replacement piston???
thanks for your help

Pete

 

[boustany]

I'd bring it to a hydraulics shop and get a quote. I've cut and welded rams before, but it seems to me drilling and taping may not work (or would break) as would likely a weld.

A hydraulics shop could probably just replace the broken piece.

 

[Taylortractornut]

I used to work as a weldor and machinist in a hydraulics shop and we welded the bushings and rams together with a 7018 or 90 18 which ever one was there. n AC Id use a 6013 or 7014 But SDC usr the 70 or 9018. I have a small machine shop here and do alot of cylinder repairs andcustom cylinder fab. When I weld a ram to a bushing or sleeve Ill center drill it in the lathe and dowel pin itto old postions. Then i put vaseline on the rams chrome to protect it from spatter. I usually ground off the bushing to make sure I dont smomake a seal acking or andother damage.