Present study introduces effect of forge application and elimination on microstructural and mechanical properties of AISI 316 during friction welding. Temperature measurements, microstructure, micro-hardness, tensile test, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were evaluated. Maximum temperature recorded was 819°C while forge was applied between 357°C-237°C. Thermo-mechanically affected zone and highly plastically deformed zone were created at the interface at elimination and application of forge respectively. Ultimate tensile strength decreased and ductility increased when forge elimination compared to forge application. Tensile fracture was occurred adjacent to the welding interface for both cases, though, after forge application, ductile fracture mode and cleavage features through the fingerprints were observed in the fracture morphology. Redistribution and concentration of gamma iron in 111 level after forge application and heat treated of AISI 316.