Topic: In need of Drill Press

[Riz98]

I bought some new Bilstein 5100's for the rear end of the X and am in need of a drill press to make the bushing sleeves a little larger to fit.  The size of the current metal sleeve is just over 1/2" (14.12mm) and I need to have it drilled out to 5/8".  I thought I could eye ball this job with a hand drill but it was too hard to stay centered in the bushing.  If anyone has a drill press and a couple spare minutes that would be great.  I have a nice new drill bit I can bring along.  I am in San Diego. 

[RBduffer]

I just used skinnier bolts and tightened them up.  I have had no problems.  Drilling sounds like a PITA.  My2cts

[Riz98]

The metal sleeve that needs to be drilled bigger is part of the shock not the vehicle.  The shock slides on the mounts and then there is a nut.  Different then the 2nd Gen Xterra.  Nobody has a drill press?  I might go and buy one. 

[knightrider]

What is the wall thickness of the sleeve?

Sent from my RTT while stargazing

[Riz98]

The amount of metal needed to take out of the bushing sleeve it 1.5mm.  The wall thickness of the sleeve is 5mm.  The talked with ORW and 4Wheel Parts and they wont press out the Bilstein bushings.  The shocks that fit the truck only have an extended length of 27 inches and that is too short so I went with the 29.5 inch extended shock.  Im going to look into a fabrication shop or machine shop for the work unless someone has a drill press and wants to lend a hand   

[knightrider]

If I had a drill press I would be all over this, but I share my garage with roommates so an autoshop it is not

[ultrapc40]

I have access t one, but I am a bit far from you. I am going to be in SD tomorrow then back again at the end of the month.

[Riz98]

Thanks for the help guys.  Yeah Irvine is a bit of a drive.  If anyone knows of a good machine shop in San Diego let me know.  I'll be looking for one today.  The urge to continue with the hand drill is strong but I don't want to mess them up

[RBduffer]

I have a POS Harbor Freight drill press you can try.  You are welcome to come to the ModDay tomorrow and we'll figure something out. 

[Riz98]

Sounds good for tomorrow.  Can you PM me your address.  Thanks. 

[Riz98]

Today at RbDuffer's Mod Day I got the shock sleeves drilled out.  Randy and myself did the first shock with the drill press and it fit after a couple extra passes with the drill.  The second shock I did with a nice powerful hand drill and a vice.  Turns out that's all I needed in the first place.  There is still alot of metal in the sleeve after the drilling so I am not worried about it being weak and breaking.  Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions.