changing bolt pattern on old wheels

[joehalford01]

would it be possible to change the actual lug pattern on a set of old steel wheels without comprimising them structually? I really like the looks of rat rods with huge wheels but i can't (wont' spend that much anyways) afford these for my truck. I got to thinking about cheaper sources for big wheels.

What about the occasional big truck that makes it into the junkyard? catering trucks, rv's, etc. with huge steel bazillion lug nut wheels? Would it be possible to fill in all the old lug holes (with my handy dandy welder) and then drill new ones to match the bolt pattern i want? or would this be dangerous? I forsee more problems with my trucks suspension buckling from the huge wheels then the wheels themselves being compromised but i'm curious to see what everyone thinks about the idea. I'd also have to be careful not to imbalance the wheels or warp them-then theres the tire issue. Clearance isn't an issue as I can design the truck around them if it's possible. thanks.

 

[R Pope]

Better to make adapters, or have your friendly neighborhood machine shop make 'em.

 

[gassersgarage]

I've seen Alcoa wheels on 1 ton trucks. You could change the front hubs and spindles to 1 tons and use the 1 ton rear (floating hubs).

 

[joehalford01]

Better to make adapters, or have your friendly neighborhood machine shop make 'em.

I knew someone would say that........

I've seen Alcoa wheels on 1 ton trucks. You could change the front hubs and spindles to 1 tons and use the 1 ton rear (floating hubs).

whats a "floating" hub? I'd consider adapting another rear end, what gearing is available? i'd like to stick with 4.11's or 3.70's. i'd like to go with disc brakes in the front, are all the one tons i find going to be four wheel drum?

 

[shizzy]

what is your current bolt pattern? I have seen guys pulling the spare tire rim off newer trucks with 17-20" wheels and using those since they are steelies.

 

[Bonehead]

Full Floating axles stick out from the bolt pattern and have a bunch of small bolts holding in the axle shaft out on the end of the axle tube. I understand Dodge spares are steel and are 20 inch. Or are you looking for 8 bolt wheels?

 

[Gastrick]

You're really startin to scare me Joe. Do you intend to raise the truck to clear the big wheels/tires or do you intend to lower the truck?

 

[Bonehead]

Lets address welding new bolt paterns in old wheels. I have done it. We changed the Monster Truck wheels from 2 1/2 ton to 5 ton axles. I had built the wheels to start with, and the center sections were 5/8 plate. I also did it on an old cj7 with one ton axles to put 44 inch tractor tires on 8 bolt rims.
and again on an old rock crawler I had.
But you see these are all off highway vehicles, as it should be. I would not do it for the highway, generally speaking. Hard to get them straight, and true, and to balance. Then there is the safety issue.
Now back to the thread.........

 

[joehalford01]

Hard to get them straight, and true, and to balance.

That's my main concern, I'm guessing perfect balance isn't as important at a 5mph rock crawl as it is 50mph on the road. I'm sure if i did it wrong i would know very quickly.

You're really startin to scare me Joe. Do you intend to raise the truck to clear the big wheels/tires or do you intend to lower the truck?

My plans are to bag it at this point. I'm finally getting an idea of what i want and have started writing up my purchase list. The rear is going to be a low flatbed with open wheel's. I think a rusty 20-30" wheel sticking up above the flat bed would look pretty tight, especially slammed down. I'd like to match the front but it's not totally necessary (and would be alot more work to point of not being worthwhile) as I'd like to convert the front over to 5 lug disc brakes. I was able to find some 18" steelies by crager on jegs (or 17"? i can't remember) but this was just another idea i had. If you don't mind sharing bonehead, how did you go about converting the wheels over? was it as simple as i stated other then paying attention to wheel balance or was it a big pita? thanks guys.

 

[Bonehead]

For future reference, this is a 14 bolt chevy rear axle with full floating axle shafts. Full floaters are usually 3/4 ton and up.

 

[Green Hornet]

Don't hold me to this, but I THINK Stockton Wheel Company might change lug bolt patterns. I know they straighten and widen wheels. "BURNOUT" had his wheels straightened by them and said he was happy with their service on his 34 International.

Again.....I'm not for sure if Stockton Wheel does it, if not maybe they can steer you in the right direction.