Bolting the Front Crossmember

[Keith True]

I really don't see them loosening up in normal use.I have taken a lot of old frames apart with bolted crossmembers,I usually have to cut the bolts off.Most seem to have a few original rivets left,so it appears they were rebolted to tighten rather than replace.I did some on A's years ago,but I used bolts with a short shank that almost fit through both layers of steel.I don't know what they look like now,but they are all still being driven.I have a 96 Dodge 3500 with a Cummins in it,it has a two piece frame that is riveted and the rivets are shearing.I have to take it apart anyway as the back of the frame is rusted.I will just bolt the rear section of the frame back on.I use frame bolts,or I believe they are called body-bound bolts.The threads just fit through the holes,but you have to hammer the rest in.