[Mr_Rich]

I'm rebuilding the drivetrain on my '89 Chev K1500 EC. I'm stripping/ cleaning some of the parts and supports and painting them with POR-15. The crossmember that is directly behind the torsion bar support is riveted to the frame with four rivets. I've been cleaning the waxy undercoat/ rust/ dirt off this crossmember and I was thinking it would be easier to grind the rivets and remove it with the idea of bolting it in afterwards. Anyone have an opinion regarding this idea? Would I be compromising the frame strength and would it be advisable to add some gussets if I do remove the rivets on this crossmember? (This crossmember/ support is used for a carrier bearing with a two-piece driveshaft.) My truck uses the one-piece driveshaft.