Suggestions for removing or repairing cross member

[72ArizonaBurb]

Someone cut my cross member where the carrier bearing is suppose to hang to make room for a 1 piece drive shaft after putting airbags on. I want to return it to stock and have 2 options as I see it. 1) weld some new metal back in and drill holes for the carrier bearing mount or replace the cross member. I will have to disconnect the trailing arms, remove the emergency break cable and my muffler mounts if I replace it.

Does anyone know a good way to get those factory rivets out? It's in a tight place to get to so I don't know if I can get a grinder in there or not.

I'm open to any suggestions on what to do.

Thanks,

Keith