Anyone using lug conversion adapters?

[Aarons72]

I'm considering trying to convert my 5 x 5 bolt pattern to something like a 4.5 or 4.75...does anyone trust the conversion adapters? Are they safe? Do they cause any problems? I have no experience with them so I'm looking for a little help here

[sick69]

Most will tell you to stay away from them........ Personally I would base it on the use of the vehicle. A strip only truck ....NO a weekend cruiser,,,,,maybe a grocery getter,,,, probably.


Why are you wanting to convert to a smaller pattern?


Frank

[ChevLoRay]

Age-old issue.

I have a couple of adapters that bolt onto an Olds/Pontiac/Cadillac 5-lug axle that let you use the smaller Chevy-pattern wheels. There are horror stories of lugs breaking off of the adapters and wheels going their own way while the vehicle decides which way it wants to go on 3 wheels. Never saw it happen.

The adapters are placed where the wheel is supposed to set, with the "new" wheel being placed outside of that plane. That places additional stress on the components, goes the argument.

My guess is that the manufacturers legal department wouldn't let them market them if there were safety issues. I would go for a well-known brand name, to get that feeling of safety. In my opinion, the added width would beg for a different offset to place the load closer to the originally-designated position, for the best ride.

I don't like the idea because it can throw the wheels to the outside making the wheels/tires look like they belong on a skateboard, when they ride outside of the body line.

[grancuda]

If you are talking about the billet aluminium style then yes, they are good forn anything you can throw at them. If you are talking about the old cast style then no, I would only use them for light duty. Guys run the billet aluminium style in scca racing on older cars to run newer vette wheels. They are very durable.

[corn]

Originally Posted by grancuda

If you are talking about the billet aluminium style then yes, they are good forn anything you can throw at them. If you are talking about the old cast style then no, I would only use them for light duty. Guys run the billet aluminium style in scca racing on older cars to run newer vette wheels. They are very durable.

Billet yes, cast no. I agree...

[Aarons72]

I don't like the idea because it can throw the wheels to the outside making the wheels/tires look like they belong on a skateboard, when they ride outside of the body line.[/QUOTE]

Ya, thank for the input...I totally agree with the stance thing...I hate that look