I always put a wet rag over the shaft to keep the seal from getting hot and to keep the sparks out, but truthfully a quick buzz in each corner with a mig is all it takes. I don't think there is enough heat there to get anywhere near the shaft. I have seen pictures of the square holes that were pretty bad and did need a little more welding, but if it's that bad don't weld it all at once.
This is my stock answer for trunnion problems.
If you have or suspect that you have trunnion problems with your Cub Cadet hydro, start by going here.
http://cubfaq.com/hydrolurch.html
And then here.
http://cubfaq.com/trunionrepair.html
More information here.
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=4635
There is a lot of good debate here.
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=5495
After you have fixed your trunnion your forward-reverse lever and foot pedal may be out of wack, so go here.
http://cubfaq.com/neutraladjust.html
Personally, I see no need to add extra metal pieces to the square hole, unless the ends are worn crooked. I have never had this problem with any that I have fixed. So I simply weld the slots in the corners and then file them back square again.
I think someone said one of my links is dead, I don't know for sure, haven't checked them in awhile.