Leaf, shackle and bracket swap 89 BII

[macheenist]

I am doing the swap to explorer leafs on my BII, just had a question for those that have removed them before.

Everyone suggests grinding the head off the rivets, but I'm curious, I found a set of brackets in the yard that looks brand new. I am thinking about drilling the rivets out. Anybody tried that? I would love to be able to grind them out, but have no way of using an angle grinder (and no torches allowed) at the yard. I can however take my cordless drill and sawzall (powered off a car battery).

Anybody drilled them out before?

 

[disciplerocks]

I heard of someone drilling out the rivets on the radius arm brackets, so I assume it can be done...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

It may not be the best way but I've drilled out rivets; I make sure the drill can get a straight shot at the rivet, front or back. I use a center punch, then 1/8 drill bit , go about 1/2 way through. Then switch to a 1/2" drill bit and go to the frame but not all the way. A chisel and 2 or 3 lb hammer should knock the rivet head off. Then use a punch and drive the rest of the rivet out. I've also tried a cordless grinder but it just didn't have the guts for the whole job, but may remove any left over rivet after chiseling. Make sure you check clearances for the drill before you start, there nothing more frustrating than getting 3/4 of the way through and realizing your screwed because you can't access the last two rivets.
Good luck,

Richard

 

[4x4junkie]

Agreed, I've drilled rivets also. It can be done, but it's not near as fast as grinding them (though even after grinding, I've had a time or two where I still had to drill it down just a hair further in before it could be knocked out).

 

[macheenist]

Make sure you check clearances for the drill before you start, there nothing more frustrating than getting 3/4 of the way through and realizing your screwed because you can't access the last two rivets.
Good luck,

Richard

I've got the sawzall too...I make my own clearances

Do the nuts on the axle hangers usually come loose (junkyard vehicle)? I'd like to save the u bolts if I can, in case mine aren't long enough, though from what I've found they usually are.

Sorry, I don't usually get this in depth with cars, or if I do, I'm planning on fabbing parts from the ground up.

 

[4x4junkie]

Fully depends on how rusted they are.

I'd plan on getting new bolts for it, and then be pleasantly surprised if you do find the existing ones in good enough shape you can get them out.