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no, they definitely are not the same as a secure mounted welding jig, but surely having the axle shafts in the tubes anchored into the differential and held in place with the wheel bearings, would be stronger than just air in the axle tubes?

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In worst case the axles will bend aswell.
You cannot prevent warpage when welding by trying to force steel to stay in position. The only way to prevent warpage is to carefully apply the (welding)heat.

Even a welding jig is just there to keep parts aligned before welding.
Any significant warpage that is present after welding can usually be corrected again by applying heat in the right locations.
There are some clips on youtube on this subject.

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