I'm looking at a set of old Mag wheels and they fit two lug sizes....but they are different then I would need. How hard is it to change the lug pattern on the axles? Would I be money ahead waiting for the right size to come along? How much do you think it would cost to change it over? I'm a newbie when it comes to this kinda stuff, so sorry if it's a no brainer for some of you guys. Never learn if you don't ask. The two sizes they have now are 5x4 3/4" 5 1/2 x 5 1/2"
Well it has the Small GM pattern and the early Ford pattern now so I would guess you are looking at 5 on 4-1/2. Usually guys pull the axles and haul them to a machine shop or ship them to one of the shops like Moser's http://www.moserengineering.com/axles.html to have done.
The two most common sizes would be 5 on 4 3/4 or 5 on 4 1/2 which would translate ( but not restricted )to GM or Ford. The 5 1/2 X 5 1/2 doesn't make sense because the first number is the number of studs, unless you meant 5 X 5 1/2
I bought a plastic lug nut guage for $2. I took all the studs out of a Bronco axle in my 9". I then placed the template on the flange to trace the 4 3/4" pattern where the new holes would avoid being any where near the existing holes. I drilled holes for the new studs and welded the former holes shut. Seemed to work out just fine for me.
Thats an odd combination of bolt patterns on your wheels. Are you sure you have measured them correctly.........it is common to err on that score. The closest measurement is goteen by measuring from the center of one lug or hole to the OUTSIDE of the nearest to opposite lug or hole. Mr48chev is correct in his recommendation but there is*****ternative that you may consider.Wheel adapters. Some people really dislike the idea of them, but if you get a quality machined aluminum or steel adapter, which means at least an inch thick and not a thin cast one, they are a viable alternative. Of course, it moves the wheel outboard in the process, so making sure you have wheel/tire clearance is very important. Ray
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