#1 frame "huck" rivet failure

[slow-demon]

Has anyone else expereinced a #1 crossmmember rivet coming loose? The rivet below the steering gearbox has come loose on mines and is allowing the crossmember to move and make a clunking noise. I just noticed it today. I will fix it tommorrow by removing the rivet and installing bolt.

 

[section525]

Fill out your profile so we know what the fudge you're talkin bout!

What year you have?

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

SlowDemon, that spot is the most stress critical part of a frame. Road shocks are transmitted to the frame at that point, through the steering.

I suggest using a grade 8 fastener, with a lock washer and double nuts to prevent them backing off.

This is a good read about fastener grades:
Grade 8 vs 5 bolts

 

[slow-demon]

I have replaced them before on fullsize F-250's but never on an explorer. I guess it must be all the off roading that I do on the weekends. Ford has TSB on the issue which includes the f -series ('91-'97) and '91-'94 exploders. What the tsb instructs you to do is remove the rivet and install a 9/16 bolt. The hole will need to be reamed to the size.