I was reading on another thread about you show replace the rivets if you stripped down to the frame, well I am down to the frame.

This has always been a desert truck and has no rust (except where my Survey crew spilled their coffee every day on the passenger side floor board). Also this truck will not be abused 4x4ing, just what 4x4ing that needs to be done for my camping and hunting.

Should I replace the rivets? and if so, is that all of them or just the ones that hold the hangers?

 

If thats all you're doing with it you'll be fine....its just at very abusive wheeling speeds/angles/stunts that they should be replaced

 

That sounds good, I was looking and all I could see on the frame was rivets, lol. Figured that would be this weekends job, but the all looked tight still.

Thanks

 

that wouldn't be a bad thing to do....go get a hammer and tap each one...make sure they're all tight....replace any that aren't

 

Seems like a lot of work for something that most likely won't matter, I wouldn't worry about it.

or do what Ryan said

 

I knocked out all mine and replaced with some grade 8 bolts. I can't remember the sizes off hand, but the rivet holes are smaller or larger than a standard bolt size, so I just drilled out the holes to the exact size of the bolt so there wouldn't be no movement of the crossmembers. Turned out nice, but what a pain to do. It was nice because I was able to get everything sandblasted and painted, but would I do it again.........I don't know.

 

For what you are doing, I wouldn't think it would matter. I use my truck similarly, and have had no problems. I would suggest, however, removing the suspension rivets. This way, you can modify it later without the pain of removing the rivets with the body on. I tried this for my rear suspension, and ended up pulling the bed off so I could really let the sledge work its magic. Just use grade 8 and the all metal nuts

 

If I recall they were 7/16 I had to run a bit throught a few of them so the bolts would fit in.

 

I would remove all the suspension rivets and leave the body mount rivets.

 

All of my suspension rivits have been replaced wiht 1/2" grade 8 bolts. Not gonna break anything there. I did take all the body mounts off to make sure there was no hidden rust. I replaced them with 7/16" grade 8s. I know prolly a lil overkill for cab mounts but hey i liek to be safe.

 

I replaced all mine with either 1/2 or 7/16 grade 8 bolts, if there isn't much rust I'd leave it alone, it's a lot of work