6 bolt conversion on 87 2wd

[D13]

I've read thru a bunch of the threads and can't seem to find the answer to a couple of critical questions. To get it out of the way, I want to go 16" to increase to increase my tire options, and not interested in megabuck rims for 16" 5x5 bolt patterns. I live on a dirt road and drive in Michigan salt so cheap wheels are the thing for me.

Route 1 - Aftermarket 6 bolt front hubs. Are the offsets on late model wheels such that the wheel is spaced out properly, and will they clear the A arms while turning? I'm going to assume that with 16" they will clear the brakes.

Route 2 - 90's light 3/4 hubs and spindles, 3/4" lower A-arm with 90's ball joint. Where does this position the wheel, and will it clear the lower arm?

Many thanks!

[N2TRUX]

Are there no 16" 5 lug wheels available? Finding wheels would be much cheaper and less hassle than converting to 6 lug. If you cant find 16" look at 17". That has become the standard tire on OEM trucks. They are going to easier to find at a good price versus 16"

[Pro Performance]

I agree, and would also look into the 17" wheel option before converting to 6-lug. Typically the newer 6-lug wheels do have a high offset, and not setup correct for these older trucks. The 17" wheels should be a lot easier to find, and tire are common. Another expense would be changing over the rear to 6-lug as well.

How tall of tire are you looking for?

[D13]

I have to build a new rear (wore out everyting at 217k) so swapping to 6 bolt axles is no issue. Front end is worn out so a rebuild is in order, so if I was going to change, now would be the time. I wa thinking mild drop on the summer truck, swapping roators is not much more than replacement regular ones cost.

What started this thought is that the weight of the 6.2/auto/air hitting the potholes on my dirt road breaks tire belts on the 15 inchers. It's getting hard to find radial 6 plys in 15", there is a much better selection in 16". Not interested in howling off road tires (once I get on pavement it's a 45 minute drive, a lot at highway speeds) which seems to be needed to get a strong 15". So I thought I'd try 16", which for a 5x5 seems to require aftermarket rims. GM didn't go 17" until after the 6 bolt conversion, and they still get bux for them at my local yards.

If I went 6 bolts I could probably scounge some factory steel wheels from the 80s or early 90's. My concern was how these, which were designed for 4x4, would clear the 2wd front. Guess I'll just have to buy some and pull the studs out of a 2wd hub and start fitting. Like the saying goes, can't get something for nothing.