How do you get a Suspension to hook, when the track surface is marginal at best

I just did a back brace today.

I layed out the welds in one inch sections.
Welded right side tube bottom right, then left side tube top right side. Then right side tube top second weld, then left side top second weld. Then right side bottom center, ectera.

I was also cooling the housing with compressed air. Not on the hot welds but you do want to be able to touch the housing at all times. Dont get it hot...