The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Front Axle Question

So I got a 1/2 ton front axle for my 1 Ton Swap, but I noticed after cleaning all the grease and dirt off it that one of the pads where the U-bolts go have some rust and pitting. Mind you there is at least a inch of metal around the holes still but it looks like it is slightly thinner than it originally was. It is on the same side as the shock mount piece, I do not feel that it is in danger of breaking or becoming fatigue, but is there anything I can do to build up the metal in a sense? or since the shock mount piece will be there it will be sandwiched in there anyway, should I just POR the axle and then let it be?

at least a inch of metal around the holes - makes it sound as though there's enough metal, that is, unless it looks as though there was an 1-1/2 originally. but whatever the case, welding and grinding to shape is the way to go. and if it matters, with extra effort on that method, someone would never know the diff