Author Topic: Converting 5 lug to 8  (Read 3623 times)

Offline stretch86

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Converting 5 lug to 8
« on: August 16, 2015, 10:58:12 PM »
I have a 86 c10 suburban and just picked up a 9.5 14 bolt cause my 10 bolt is junk. The 14 bolt is 8 lug and im wondering ehat itd take to convert the front to 8 lug. Ive done a lil bit of research on it and i know i need the spindle off a c20 but will the ball joints and tie rods bolt up to the c20 spindle. Only reason i ask is cause ive already replaced front end. Also did chevy ever make a 15" 8 lug

Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: Converting 5 lug to 8
« Reply #1 on: August 17, 2015, 02:05:36 AM »
chevy didnt make a 15" 8 lug but other companies have and you might have to grind off some of the caliper. i dont know for sure but i know the ball joints and a-arms are different but the tie rods are the same
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When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth ~Sherlock Holmes

Offline stretch86

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Re: Converting 5 lug to 8
« Reply #2 on: August 17, 2015, 09:18:24 AM »
Well looks like im just gonna run two different lug rims as thats some work and i already replaced ball joints and everything

Offline Irish_Alley

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Re: Converting 5 lug to 8
« Reply #3 on: August 17, 2015, 03:58:56 PM »
vs replacing everything again. yeah i would run two different rims, or find 2 15" 8 lugs that you can put hub caps on as long as you got hub caps on the front no one will know
If you can’t tell yourself the truth, who can you tell it to?~Irish_Alley

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Offline zieg85

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Re: Converting 5 lug to 8
« Reply #4 on: August 17, 2015, 04:51:57 PM »
I see 15" 8 lug wagon wheels on Craigslist from time to time.  You may join some Facebook racing groups, someone may have a pair left from running 8 lug rims on their late models in the 70's.  One other suggesting is go with the 16" rim and get the 15" conversion caps.  You will barely notice there is a difference and if you get the same height 16" car tires you'd be golden.  The conversion caps pound on the center ring and 15" caps then can be used.
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
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Offline stretch86

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Re: Converting 5 lug to 8
« Reply #5 on: August 17, 2015, 06:26:56 PM »
What would be a 16" equvlant (?) To a 235/75r15 cause i dont want the tire being bigger then the front especialy cause gonna upgrade to 3/4 ton spring later down road. Also the axle is off a 86 k20 pick up

Offline zieg85

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Re: Converting 5 lug to 8
« Reply #6 on: August 17, 2015, 08:02:27 PM »
Because tires differ in height in the same size, best to measure the height of yours and go tire shopping at Sams Club or visit a tire dealer.  If I had to guess a P235/70R16 is going to be close.  I have a pair from my 2011 Ford Escape and they are real close to the same height as the 15"
Carl 
1985 C20 Scottsdale 7.4L 4 speed 3.21
1986 C10 under construction
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Offline stretch86

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Re: Converting 5 lug to 8
« Reply #7 on: August 17, 2015, 11:03:10 PM »
Sweet thanks ill use a tire converter to convert both in inches to see how close they are. I have some work to do to rear end i got before can put wheels on.