As my wheels turn left and right, the engine crossmember shifts because the rivets mounting it to the frame have loosened. I had it up on a lift while someone was turning the steering wheel, and I could watch this happen. Has anyone had to replace these with bolts? Or just weld it?

 

Frame has a certain amount of spring in it, welding is possible but not really the best idea. The proper fix is to grind off the rivet heads, punch them out and replace with Grade 8 bolts.
I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions that differ but really, that's the proper way to do it.

 

If it was meant to be welded it would have been done at the factory, agree with Chris on bolting it if you are unable to replace the rivet. Finding them is one thing but if you don't have a riveter that will take them the cost of buying it for a seemingly one time use isn't worth the cost. For a few bucks you can just get grade 8 nuts, lock wash, and bolts.

 

They rivet it mostly because it's cheaper than welding everything together.

 

Should I go through and replace all four rivets then, with g8 bolts? I'd rather do it right and not have to weld the frame... I don't want it cracking later on down the line.
Has anyone done it and have any tips?

 

Might as well do them all while you're there. The only tip I have for you is, do one at a time. Things will move around a lot less.

Hell, I've thought about replacing all the rivets in the frame one at a time.

 

I'm also guessing I should lift and support the frame, while this is happening? I'm trying to figure out the forces involved to relieve everything while I'm replacing stuff

 

If you drill and replace one at a time you shouldn't have any problems. The problems would start if you drilled both rivets out on one side before trying to put the bolts in. Good luck.

 

That was my next question, as I ground one flat and can't figure out what next. I see, I need to drill it out. Woo. I think it's food time then drilling. Thanks for all your help guys.

Drilled out the rivet. Dropped in the bolt. Aaaaand I don't have the lock nuts I thought I had. They're just regular nuts. GRRRR. I'll get some tomorrow and get it all squared away.


Also, when I freehang my driver's side axle, the coil spring moves around in its seat quite a bit. I even see evidence of the coil smashing into the shock absorber a little bit as well. The nut *looks* tight in there, but I haven't put much time into grabbing it to turn it.