Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Half hex rivnuts for Rubi rocker installation?

chili_pepper

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I was preparing to install a set of used LJ Rubi rockers yesterday and noticed pre-stamped holes for attaching the rockers to the bottom of the tub, in particular noting they are hex shaped piercings. Should I be using half hex M6 rivnuts for these locations or am I okay with standard rivnuts here? Also, anyone have a good drill reference for rivnuts?

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I was preparing to install a set of used LJ Rubi rockers yesterday and noticed pre-stamped holes for attaching the rockers to the bottom of the tub, in particular noting they are hex shaped piercings. Should I be using half hex M6 rivnuts for these locations or am I okay with standard rivnuts here? Also, anyone have a good drill reference for rivnuts?

View attachment 634927

OEM is half hex to slow down spinning. They are not SAE. If you order the hex style, carefully measure the hex hole. I've had to order in 3 different versions of the same thread before I leant that.
 
As for sizing holes for normal nutserts, I've had really good luck by measuring the smooth lower portion of the nutsert and matching the drill bit to that. when you go to install it, you'll then have to lightly tap it into the hole with a deadblow hammer, but the knurls seem to hold better long term. I also like to put a few drops of red locktight around the outside as well, and of course antisieze on the fastener that gets installed. The locktight helps both seal around the nutsert to prevent rust, and locks it just that much better. alternatively, painting the hole and crimping the nutsert while its still wet also helps immensly with rust. Doing those steps, i've rarely had one spin in the hole on removal, even with salted roads. of course, if its on a thin panel that can be dented easily, its best to match the size of the knurled section so you're not needing to tap it in. Remember to deburr the holes as well, front and back if possible.

Once installed, also paint over the top of the nutsert with a fastener threaded into it to seal the outer lip into it as well as possible. rust prevention is the name of the game to prevent them from spinning on removal.
 
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OEM is half hex to slow down spinning. They are not SAE. If you order the hex style, carefully measure the hex hole. I've had to order in 3 different versions of the same thread before I leant that.

This was a worry I had and now you've confirmed. Have you had any luck getting standard M6 rivnuts to hold in the factory pierced hex holes, or do I need to play rivnut roulette and hunt down some that fit the size/shape? I've used rivnuts before, but never with pre-punched holes of any shape, always made my own but this isn't really an option for the bottom of the rockers.
 
This was a worry I had and now you've confirmed. Have you had any luck getting standard M6 rivnuts to hold in the factory pierced hex holes, or do I need to play rivnut roulette and hunt down some that fit the size/shape? I've used rivnuts before, but never with pre-punched holes of any shape, always made my own but this isn't really an option for the bottom of the rockers.

Yes, very good luck once you find the ones that fit. Most do give the dimension across the hex so just measure and then look for that. The only reason I don't use hex exclusively is I don't want to buy the hex hole cutting tool for well over a grand.
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts