6 lug to 5lug or not?

[coontz74]

What if a person already has 6 lug drums like on my 69. What is the benefit of swapping to 5 lug if I were going to run 18's or 20's anyway?

I mean, I'm going to swap to disks but I can't find a definite answer as to why I need to go 5 lug?

I klnow this has been covered a ton but I just kind find the reason why somebody would swap other than wheel size, backspacing, etc? Has to be a reason?

Please school me...

Thanks

[lolife99]

Just personal preference.
I like 5 lug wheel "patterns/designs/styles" better.

Most 6-lug aftermarket wheels are designed for the 99-up GM trucks.
The backspacing is usually wrong for our trucks,... plus the center bore of the wheel is too small to bolt on these old trucks.

Most "high dollar" billet wheels can be purchased in a 6-lug pattern.

It's your choice.
Convert the front to 6-lug disc.
Or convert the rearend to 5-lug.

It's all about the wheels YOU decide to use.

[coontz74]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Just personal preference.
I like 5 lug wheel "patterns/designs/styles" better.

Most 6-lug aftermarket wheels are designed for the 99-up GM trucks.
The backspacing is usually wrong for our trucks,... plus the center bore of the wheel is too small to bolt on these old trucks.

Most "high dollar" billet wheels can be purchased in a 6-lug pattern.

It's your choice.
Convert the front to 6-lug disc.
Or convert the rearend to 5-lug.

It's all about the wheels YOU decide to use.

Thanks for the response Keith. I've read a lot of your stuff on this forum and value your opinion...

I don't have a problem going to the 5 lug as it seems the price is about the same because I would buy all new spindles and such anyway. I was just curious as to why so many people do it cause I can't be the only one out there with a 69 that hadn't wondered the same thing?

So, when I make the switch to 4 wheel disk 5 lug, what is the bolt pattern? Is it 5 x 5?

Thanks again for the help and bearing with another newbie...

[coontz74]

Another question Keith,

I'm going with 2.5" spindles and 2" coils in the front and 4" coils with 2" block in the back.

Could you narrow down a few possible senerios I have with backspacing and offset Please?

Thanks

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by coontz74

Another question Keith,

I'm going with 2.5" spindles and 2" coils in the front and 4" coils with 2" block in the back.

Could you narrow down a few possible senerios I have with backspacing and offset Please?

Thanks

Unless you are going to run a 20" diameter rim,... I wouldn't use the 2" lowering block in the rear.
ECE sells a 6" drop rear spring.
I would use those to get a 6" rear drop.

Yes, the 5-lug pattern is 5 x 5.

What size wheels did you have in mind?
Nate (72BlckButy) has 20x8.5 (5.5" BS) and 20x10 (4.75" BS) on his 69.
It also has the original 69 rearend housing, which is narrower than the 71-72 rearend housings.
So your rear wheel BS will depend on which ever rearend you use.
(5-lug or 6-lug)

[coontz74]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Unless you are going to run a 20" diameter rim,... I wouldn't use the 2" lowering block in the rear.
ECE sells a 6" drop rear spring.
I would use those to get a 6" rear drop.

Yes, the 5-lug pattern is 5 x 5.

What size wheels did you have in mind?
Nate (72BlckButy) has 20x8.5 (5.5" BS) and 20x10 (4.75" BS) on his 69.
It also has the original 69 rearend housing, which is narrower than the 71-72 rearend housings.
So your rear wheel BS will depend on which ever rearend you use.
(5-lug or 6-lug)

I thought I would go 18's or 20's hadn't decided for sure yet. I like (ddoles) 71 he has with 20's on it and that's where I got what to run for the stance he has but he was unsure of the backspacing on his wheels?
I have never seen Nate's truck so I'm not sure how it looks? If I keep the original 69 rear end housing how do I convert it to disk without buying new axle ends? Is it just as easy as taking of the drum and bolting on a disc?
If so, I may stay with 6 lug as I'm sure I could find a 18" or 20" wheel 6 lug that I like.
Please bear with me as I'm just learning all this so all I know is the stance I want which looks like a 4/6 drop or something close to that with a 18 or 20 wheel, wide tires and handle good. Other than that I'm at a loss of exactly what I need to do that.
I found the grand slam kit from CPP that looked like what I would go with but I seem to get more confused the more I look at it.
My 69 is also a fleetside if that matters for clearance issues?
I'll try to find Nate's truck and see what it looks like while I await some more knowledge from you...

Thanks for all the info and please be patient with this dummy that's typing...

[Tony@AirRideTech]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Just personal preference.
I like 5 lug wheel "patterns/designs/styles" better.

Most 6-lug aftermarket wheels are designed for the 99-up GM trucks.
The backspacing is usually wrong for our trucks,... plus the center bore of the wheel is too small to bolt on these old trucks.

Most "high dollar" billet wheels can be purchased in a 6-lug pattern.

It's your choice.
Convert the front to 6-lug disc.
Or convert the rearend to 5-lug.

It's all about the wheels YOU decide to use.

Do you always have to steal the whole show ?

On the wheels... I completely agree with Lowlife99... You will find a better selection of better looking wheels in 5 lug And being that they ran 5x5 for freaking ever... there are tons of them out there.

[72BlckButy]

Originally Posted by Tony@AirRideTech

Do you always have to steal the whole show ?

On the wheels... I completely agree with Lowlife99... You will find a better selection of better looking wheels in 5 lug And being that they ran 5x5 for freaking ever... there are tons of them out there.

Haha... he's the king at suspension.

5x5 is a far better option for wheel selection. I would have made the same choice had I not located a wheel that would accomodate the 6x5.5 pattern on a 5-spoke wheel.

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by Tony@AirRideTech

Do you always have to steal the whole show ?

Hey I could always use some help Moderating the Suspension section.
Talk to Ken and maybe you can help me out!

Seriously,... thanks for taking time to check in.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Hey I could always use some help Moderating the Suspension section.

I still check this forum section multiple times daily & help out when/if possible. I'm just not interested in being a hall-monitor or part of a 'club'.

You're not in this alone buddy!

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I still check this forum section multiple times daily & help out when/if possible. I'm just not interested in being a hall-monitor or part of a 'club'.

You're not in this alone buddy!

Thanks,... I know you are always helping around here.
I appreciate your wealth of knowledge.

(plus I was just taking a "jab" at Tony. Ha)

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I still check this forum section multiple times daily & help out when/if possible.

And just so you know, all of you guys expertise is appreciated.....even Tony...

[coontz74]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Just personal preference.
I like 5 lug wheel "patterns/designs/styles" better.

Most 6-lug aftermarket wheels are designed for the 99-up GM trucks.
The backspacing is usually wrong for our trucks,... plus the center bore of the wheel is too small to bolt on these old trucks.

Most "high dollar" billet wheels can be purchased in a 6-lug pattern.

It's your choice.
Convert the front to 6-lug disc.
Or convert the rearend to 5-lug.

It's all about the wheels YOU decide to use.

What is the center bore on our trucks? I have found some 18's and 20's with a 78 and 108 diameter? Will these work or will I need to have the bore machined?

Thanks

[coontz74]

Originally Posted by coontz74

What is the center bore on our trucks? I have found some 18's and 20's with a 78 and 108 diameter? Will these work or will I need to have the bore machined?

Thanks

After researching more, I don't think my bore numbers are accurate?

The wheels I'm looking at are Enkei RT6. Sorry I don't know how to post the link or pic but if you could give them a look and tell me your thoughts?

Thanks

[lolife99]

I have never seen Nate's truck so I'm not sure how it looks?
Look here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=353633

I keep the original 69 rear end housing how do I convert it to disk without buying new axle ends? Is it just as easy as taking of the drum and bolting on a disc?
No.
You will need to change axles or machine and re-drill your original axles.
Then a disc brake kit will need to be purchased.

I found the grand slam kit from CPP that looked like what I would go with but I seem to get more confused the more I look at it.
I personally am a huge fan of CPP products,... but not their customer service.
Look in the Suspension Marketplace for great suspension deals from the people that support this forum.
These are major suspension companies that choose this board to sell/promote their products,... but they are also members here, just like you and me.

[coontz74]

Originally Posted by lolife99

I have never seen Nate's truck so I'm not sure how it looks?
Look here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=353633

I keep the original 69 rear end housing how do I convert it to disk without buying new axle ends? Is it just as easy as taking of the drum and bolting on a disc?
No.
You will need to change axles or machine and re-drill your original axles.
Then a disc brake kit will need to be purchased.

I found the grand slam kit from CPP that looked like what I would go with but I seem to get more confused the more I look at it.
I personally am a huge fan of CPP products,... but not their customer service.
Look in the Suspension Marketplace for great suspension deals from the people that support this forum.
These are major suspension companies that choose this board to sell/promote their products,... but they are also members here, just like you and me.

I found Nate's truck. It's AWESOME too!! Exactly what I want mine to look like...

If I'm going to have to buy axles I may as well go 5 lug anyway. Looks like it will be comparable in price either 6 lug or 5 lug and at least I would have that huge selection of wheels.

I may just give one of the forum supporters a call and talk with them on exactly what I need to buy? Do you recommend one over the other for a newbie like me with no knowedge?

I will check the Suspension Marketplace right now and see what I can find. Thanks to all for the info, especially you Keith.

SWEET truck Nate!!!

[72BlckButy]

Originally Posted by coontz74

I found Nate's truck. It's AWESOME too!! Exactly what I want mine to look like...

If I'm going to have to buy axles I may as well go 5 lug anyway. Looks like it will be comparable in price either 6 lug or 5 lug and at least I would have that huge selection of wheels.

I may just give one of the forum supporters a call and talk with them on exactly what I need to buy? Do you recommend one over the other for a newbie like me with no knowedge?

I will check the Suspension Marketplace right now and see what I can find. Thanks to all for the info, especially you Keith.

SWEET truck Nate!!!

Thanks buddy!

Now I can't speak for the 5-lug bore, but I ordered my Vintec's with the following specs:

Billet Specialties Vintec's
Front: 20x8.5" w/ 5.5" BS
- Center Bore: 3.430
- Bolt Pattern: 6 on 5.5"
Rear: 20x10" w/ 4.75" BS
- Center Bore: 4.250 (due to the center hub on the rear axle of my '69 [meas. 3.5"; BS only offered 3.43])
- Bolt Pattern: 6 on 5.5"

Toyo Proxes S/T ii's
Front: 255/40-20
Rear: 295/40-20

The BS bores were to close for me to order the wrong size so I went with these and ran into zero issues on the mounting.

Let me know if you have any additional questions; more than willing to help you out.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Let me know if you have any additional questions; more than willing to help you out.

If there was a 'good citizenship' award for the board, you'd be my 1st nominee .

[coontz74]

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Thanks buddy!

Now I can't speak for the 5-lug bore, but I ordered my Vintec's with the following specs:

Billet Specialties Vintec's
Front: 20x8.5" w/ 5.5" BS
- Center Bore: 3.430
- Bolt Pattern: 6 on 5.5"
Rear: 20x10" w/ 4.75" BS
- Center Bore: 4.250 (due to the center hub on the rear axle of my '69 [meas. 3.5"; BS only offered 3.43])
- Bolt Pattern: 6 on 5.5"

Toyo Proxes S/T ii's
Front: 255/40-20
Rear: 295/40-20

The BS bores were to close for me to order the wrong size so I went with these and ran into zero issues on the mounting.

Let me know if you have any additional questions; more than willing to help you out.

Thanks Nate for the info.. This is exactly what I was needing. Did you or anybody else have time to take a look at those Enkei wheels I mentioned?

Looks like those bore #'s were in millimeters so the 108mm should be the 4.25 that I need. They also offer them with +12 offset and 0 so I should be good there as well correct?

I'm going to save your info so when I go get tires and such I will have a GREAT reference!!!

Thanks again for all the help...

[lolife99]

Originally Posted by coontz74

Thanks Nate for the info.. This is exactly what I was needing. Did you or anybody else have time to take a look at those Enkei wheels I mentioned?

Looks like those bore #'s were in millimeters so the 108mm should be the 4.25 that I need. They also offer them with +12 offset and 0 so I should be good there as well correct?

I'm going to save your info so when I go get tires and such I will have a GREAT reference!!!

Thanks again for all the help...

The 20x9's with +12 offset equals a 5.5" BS.
This will work up front.
The rear might require you to run a spacer.

[jimmydean]

My front is from a '75 C10 and my rear is from a '94 Caprice cop car. Less than $300 for the front and rear, same 5x5 lug pattern and 4 wheel discs. I did it for wheel choice, too.

[72BlckButy]

Nah.... you, lolife99 and n2billet. (At least from my perspective).

Thanks Scoti; much appreciated.

[72BlckButy]

And just to add to the confusion....

Think out each upgrade you plan on doing. For instance, do you plan to leave your truck with a static drop? If so, then order the wheels accordind to the static drop. However, if you "might" bag your truck in the future, IMO the BS could/would be different.

Or think about this... lowering the truck lower than 2" up front will require a drop spindle. Drop spindles will result in adding disc brakes. Lowering the truck with a 5-6" drop in the rear will more than likely result in needing new exhaust. New exhaust may cause the need for new headers/mufflers. While you're doing the drop do you want to add a c-notch for added suspension travel? If so... and the list goes on and on.

Think out each move/purchase as it will save you money in the long run.

[coontz74]

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

And just to add to the confusion....

Think out each upgrade you plan on doing. For instance, do you plan to leave your truck with a static drop? If so, then order the wheels accordind to the static drop. However, if you "might" bag your truck in the future, IMO the BS could/would be different.

Or think about this... lowering the truck lower than 2" up front will require a drop spindle. Drop spindles will result in adding disc brakes. Lowering the truck with a 5-6" drop in the rear will more than likely result in needing new exhaust. New exhaust may cause the need for new headers/mufflers. While you're doing the drop do you want to add a c-notch for added suspension travel? If so... and the list goes on and on.

Think out each move/purchase as it will save you money in the long run.

It's funny you mention the list goes on and on and on because I was realizing that everyday I chat with you guys...

After thinking on it, just like you mentioned here, I'm going with a 2/4 drop to hopefully eliminate the possibility for all those other things you mentioned?

I want disc brakes and I was set on a 4 wheel conversion but now I'm going with just fronts and rebuild the existing drums for the back. So by that, I'd say a spindle for the front since I'm doing disc's anyway with new stock springs and a 4" spring in back.
Still can't decide on 5 lug or leave it 6 since I'm keeping the drums in the back hence the recent issue of finding a wheel...

I don't know if I need to pick the wheel and tire and work the suspension to fit that or get the stance and HOPE to find a wheel and tire that I would like to fit the stance?? Decisions, decisions, decisions... they are almost as long as the list that keeps going..haha

Thanks for your input and advice. I really appreciate it and hope I didn't wear out my welcome?

[72BlckButy]

Welll... We weren't going to say anything so since you brought it up... Haha just kidding. That's what this site is all about.

IMO I would setup the suspension prior to purchasing wheels. For instance let's say you order a set of wheels for a 2/4 drop and not a week after purchasing the wheels a board member sells a 4.5/6" drop for half price. Well you just ordered wheels for a 2/4 drop.

Take you time and plan as there is no rush, you just don't want to end up with a truck on stands because you didn't plan for the need for different wheels.
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