Rivets vs Bolts.. Discuss

[testorossa1989]

Hey guys

I need some feedback from the guys in the field that do this daily. I am trying to find out which is "safer" or "easier" vs cost on using bolts in place of rivets.

I've recently acquired a truck frame that has a front coil spring suspension instead of the dated front leaf springs on my current truck. I wanted to interchange them as they'll fit, but I ran into the issue of 3/4 slug rivets. The specialist tool runs well over $1500 and there's no rentals I can find from a a united rentals or something. So my question is, how safe is it using hardened bolts in place of rivets of truck frames or other larger applications.

There's concerns about structural weaknesses and I know so little about rivets other than their purpose, function.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[buffalosoldier]

Ream the hole for a good fit and a good quality grade 8 bolt should be fine. That is how they move the axles on semi road tractors without problems.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

 

[testorossa1989]

Ream the hole for a good fit and a good quality grade 8 bolt should be fine. That is how they move the axles on semi road tractors without problems.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

Interesting. Because I was concerned about running bolts through the spring perch housings in place of rivets and if it would be a major safety concern.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Corbic]

Lock-tite, Nordlocs, torque appropriately


Sent from my iPhone using svtperformance.com

 

[buffalosoldier]

That's what I meant. I worked for a heavy duty truck dealer and when they replaced a frame rail or moved or replaced suspension parts that is the method they used. I had the rivets in my one of my tractors suspension become loose. I cut them off and replaced the rivets with grade 8 bolts. They were still tight when I sold the unit.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk

 

[1wild-horse]

I've replaced rear spring shackle brackets before with grade 8 bolts. No worries.

 

[Bullitt1448]

I have moved literally hundreds of truck suspensions in my career, bolts are the way to go, I have never seen rivets put back in.