Technically, you could. I'd put something in the tube to keep the weld crap out of the center section. I've got a fixing jig that requires the diff be removed at least. I went ahead and stripped it down (no crush sleeve ). The inside was filthy from the LS diff, so I needed to clean it anyway.

I'll just tack the ends with the jig in then remove it for the final welding. I really want to weld the new spring perches on first just in case there is some warping. But before all of that, I need to get the lowering shackles and new Ubolts. Going to go back to spring over. It was too low with them under.