Help Please

[Lifted1995F150]

I have a 1994 F150. It has a 351 Windsor in it. The engine crossmember got busted on one side. This is the main crossmember up front that goes between the frame rails. I heard that it is rivited on. Can this piece be replaced or am I screwed? Thanks for the help.

[jimsa2806]

Nope..not screwed at all. Your options are:

The fasest--air hammer with cold chisel. Oh...weare safety goggles. I hate safety ***** and I even wear them when cutting metal, regardless of the method.

fire:--cut the heads of the rivets off with oxy aceteline or oxy propane torch then use a drift punch to punch them out the other side. If you use this method, watch out for gas lines, brake lines, wires, etc.

drill: You can drill out the heads with a small drill and step up the sizes after the drill goes past the button. Step up in 1/8" increments. Once you get to the diameter of the rivet drilled, use a cold chisel and knock the heads off then punch them through with drift.

brute force: BFH and 1/2" cold chisel and get on it. Try to get a rivet chisel (COLD CHISEL--NOT A HOT CHISEL OR WOOD CHISEL, SCREWDRIVER OR ANYTHING YOU DON'T KNOW CAN CUT COLD METAL-- Okay, maybe I am a safety ****). A rivet chisel will be flat on the bottom and wide. A regular cold chisel will work too, but if you use one, make a starter notch or a cut on the rivet with a dremel, file, hacksaw, etc.

[pstmn1]

Just as a side note. Make sure the truck is Securely lifted on heavy duty jack stands or a frame lift. (those damn safety Nazis)
Had to do one on a f350 flatbed. Also had to use a come along to pull the rails together to install the new cross member. Yea it was that far out. Good luck.