Can't remove rivet

[exbass94]

Well I listened to you guys and tried to replace my radius arm bushings myself, when I should've trusted my instincts and knew it would be beyond my abilities. I ground the head off one rivet and tried pounding out the rest. It won't budge. I tried heating it, no go. I tried drilling through it, the bits keep walking all over it no matter how much I center punch. I NEED to get this thing out of there TODAY!! Any ideas???

EDIT: as soon as I posted this, I decided to give it one more shot. I finally got a drill bit not walk all over and got a good pilot hole drilled. Then I drilled using a 3/8 bit. Got about halfway through and pounded out the rest of the rivet. My confidence is somewhat restored. Trying to decide if I want to attempt the rest of them...

 

[RangerSVT]

Grind all the rivets off flush, then use a chisel between the RA mount and the frame, once loosened/RA bracket removed, then you should be able to drive them out. Honestly, try using a bigger hammer, they can be a pain and need some persuation most times...Also, make sure you use a good thick washer when installing the bolts to replace the rivets, as my washers mushroomed and made the bolts loose after about 3 or 4 years...Good luck
SVT

 

[exbass94]

Well like I said, I finally got the thing out. I did both rivets on the passenger side. Since I then knew how to get them out, the second one came out much faster and easier. I decided to call it quits after the second one. I'll hopefully get to the other two next week.

Here's ground zero :

Success!! Notice the RA bushing with a chunk missing.

 

[exbass94]

So, I know this is really old news, since I completely finished this job about 2 weeks ago, but I feel like I needed to thank TRS for believing in me and encouraging me to do this job myself. I initially felt confident to the job, but lacked tools, so I was gonna bring it to a shop. Then you guys convinced me not to. So, I bought some tools and dove in. Then I had an "oh crap what did I get myself into" moment, which you can read about above. Then once I figured out how to solve the problem, my confidence restored and I finished the job. What a satisfying feeling!! The same feeling I got when I completely overhauled the AC system. These bushings were my most advanced/difficult repair to date. Every time I do something like this, I know it's done right, I learn a ton of stuff, gain valuable experience, and save tons of money!! This job cost me almost exactly $34!! It would have been between $300-400 at a shop. I love my trucks, I love wrenching on them, and I love TRS!

 

[dangerranger83]

I get that same felling when I do anything major on my truck, just like when I did my chevy 63 inch leaves swap.