Frame crossmembers

[4xshort]

I was hoping someone can "Straighten" me out, I have a 1971 shortbox 4x4
the very front and very rear crossmembers look like they have had a chain
hooked up to them and got bent out of shape. Can I use a crossmember from
a 2wd or does it need to be 4wd, will a blazer match up? Is it possible to put
in rivets like the factory or would proper bolts be fine?
Thanks in advance Josh

[oldschool18]

2wd and 4wd are differant but 4wd truck and blazer are the same you might have a hard time finding someone to rivit them

[JimKshortstep4x4]

I believe rivets are available but I have not used them. Some guys use 7/16" bolts and drill the holes for a tight fit. I used some metric button head bolts on the last cross member as they fit tightly in the existing holes. After painting they look like rivets from the button head side.

3/8 bolts will work but they are a little loose in the holes.

Jim

[med.bronze]

Originally Posted by 4xshort

I was hoping someone can "Straighten" me out, I have a 1971 shortbox 4x4
the very front and very rear crossmembers look like they have had a chain
hooked up to them and got bent out of shape. Can I use a crossmember from
a 2wd or does it need to be 4wd, will a blazer match up? Is it possible to put
in rivets like the factory or would proper bolts be fine?
Thanks in advance Josh

I had the same issue on the rear crossmember on my "72. I wanted to keep the original look so I searched for rivets and found them at www.bigflatsrivet.com. I was also able to buy a rivet head forming tool for an air hammer from this guy.