What parts have you used to drill through the frame (Brand Names)?

I am installing a SRS for my YJ and need to buy a Drill bit....several, that can drill through the frame like butter. Also, what type drill/power should I get. I don't think my Dewalt 12v cordless is going to cut it????

Also, grinding disk..........what last and work well. Need to grind the perches off?

TIA......:usa:

as for the drill get the biggest, baddest, most expensive 1/2" drive variable speed drill that you can get.

but for drill bits, get a good brand name but dont spend too much and buy a few as they WILL wear out in this job and theres nothing worse than trying to drill a hole with a dull drill bit.

cutting wheels? well just buy a lot. so long as we arent talking about walmart super cheapies here, they all wear down and you will have to use several of whatever kind you buy.

Originally posted by Military Jeeper
What parts have you used to drill through the frame (Brand Names)?

I am installing a SRS for my YJ and need to buy a Drill bit....several, that can drill through the frame like butter. Also, what type drill/power should I get. I don't think my Dewalt 12v cordless is going to cut it????

Also, grinding disk..........what last and work well. Need to grind the perches off?

TIA......:usa: 88 4Runner - Dana44/60, 5.13s, Detroit Rear/Front, Alcan's F/R, Custom Hy-steer Crossover, Conferr Shackles, Rockstomper Hoops, Bilstein 7100s, DOA Cam, Thorley Headers, Flowmaster Exhaust, Amsoil Filter and so on.....

94 YJ Wrangler (Warn 9500i + some more $hit.....)




So I take it you didnt do any of the work to the 4runner?WOW! Anyway If you are going to install the rear shackle bushing through the frame I would get a tubing notcher and bolt the drilling shank to some 6in x1/2in thick angle and clamp that to the frame. Use a holesaw and a good 1/2in drillmotor. You might be able to rent a hole hawg from a rental store. Thats cheaper than buying one. What you pay is what you get on cutting and drilling materials like drill bits. good luck.

Grinding Wheels all seem to be ok to me. Just make sure that you get ones that are for your application. You can get different grades of wheels that are for aluminum, stainless, and regular carbon steel. The difference is in the abrasive and the bonding agent used in the construction of the disc. There are long life disc's available and they do last longer but Im not sure that they are worth the money. For cleanup work I like to use Polifan Discs, they actually remove more metal than the regular grinding discs but you can grind with the perifery of them, and they don't last all that long. They look like several pieces of emery cloth laminated to a fiber disc.


like everyone else said, get a good variable speed 1/2 Drill Motor. As far as drill bits go, I strongly recommend using COBAT SPLIT POINT drills. The cobalt greatly increases the life of the drill, much more than their Tin coated counterparts, while being substantially less money than carbide. I also recommend that you turn them the same speed that is recommended for a regular HSS (high speed steel) drill bit.


I coppied the following from one of my previous posts.

If you want to drill a hole in spring steel or any other tough steel for that matter, used cobalt drill bits, turn as slow as you can and use lots of cutting oil. If you feel the drill bit getting dull, stop immediately! Change drill bits and start again. What ever you do, don't dwell in one spot. Dwelling will cause the steel to work harden and you will have to re-drill from the other side to cut through that portion. That is where the small pilot hole really comes into play. Water is good for keeping the tool cool but it does not provide any kind of lubrication. A machine shop would use what is called Soluble Oil, it is oil that mixes with water, to provide the best of both worlds. (Cooling and Lubrication) First drill a hole that is the same diameter as the web thickness (the smallest crossection of the drill between the two flutes) of your finish size hole.

I use a Porter Cable 1/2" air drill... works damn good.

Just my 2 cents...

-Josh