The only use I would have for stick welding would be to weld cast iron which is something I could pay someone else to do for the amount I would ever need done. For doing certified welds on truck frames( comparable to axel spring perches etc.) we are required to have a welder capable of 200 amps @40% duty cycle and .035 wire. Welds done with .023 wire look very nice but did not hold up in destructive testing. For welding tabs on your rear end, some knowledge of the different welds and possible damage to your housing (warpage) should be considered before doing anything.