Rivets

[michowski]

Ok im installing my rough country 4" suspension kit now. Ran into a rather quick halt when I encountered more rivets. Its impossible to get a grinder on the rivets on the one cross member. I do need to get the rivets off for the stock radius arm brackets to. I got the 2 furthest back ones off but I can get my grinder in on the up front 2. Whats an easy way to get these stupid f'in rivets off that ford put on?

 

[Earl43P]

Progressively larger drill bits.

Start small, use oil, slow speed.

Once the head is gone, punch it out with a hammer and punch/drift.

 

[Blackdog]

Knock the heads off with a plasma cutter and punch them out. Quick and easy.

 

[Totalled]

4.5" wheel on a 4" grinder, without the guard. (CAREFUL!) Take the passenger beam braket rivets out of the engine crossmember from the inside of it. (watch the brake lines!) I was able to just get the heads off the front radius arm brackets with a fresh disk and patience so i didn't cut into the body mount. It sucks, buy it can be done.

 

[mkpecor]

if you have a air compresser us a air chizle you can find them at harbour fraight for cheep.

 

[2manyfords]

A die grinder with a cut off wheel works wonders on those pesky little rivets.

Cut an X on the head of the rivet, then chisel the head off and punch the rest through.

 

[regnardrof39]

i took off mine about a year ago and im pretty sure i used a grinder to knock all of them off.
i don't think i ran into issues but it was on a 2wd but not sure there was a difference

 

[Maverick]

A die grinder with a cut off wheel works wonders on those pesky little rivets.

Cut an X on the head of the rivet, then chisel the head off and punch the rest through.

That is exacty what I did on my first ttb lift, took forever but it worked. Then I learned how to use a torch. Even easier with a scarfing tip.

 

[Kylan]

I totally f#cked up my hand using the grinding wheel with a cut off wheel. it kicked back and went right between my fingers. luckily i missed the bones. anyway i used a 90 degree drill to get in those tight spaces

 

[michowski]

Thanks for the advice. I got them all off and what I did was used 2 drill bits to drill em out. One I got the bigger drill bit through I took my air chisel and just broke off the remaining parts of the head and then punched em out. It took a good hour or 2 but once I got in a rythm it actually wasnt to bad. I wouldnt wanna do it again but it is done