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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Suburbans => Topic started by: stretch86 on August 16, 2015, 10:58:12 pm

Title: Converting 5 lug to 8
Post by: stretch86 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

Title: Re: Converting 5 lug to 8
Post by: Irish_Alley 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

Title: Re: Converting 5 lug to 8
Post by: stretch86 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

Title: Re: Converting 5 lug to 8
Post by: Irish_Alley 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

Title: Re: Converting 5 lug to 8
Post by: zieg85 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.

Title: Re: Converting 5 lug to 8
Post by: stretch86 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

Title: Re: Converting 5 lug to 8
Post by: zieg85 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"

Title: Re: Converting 5 lug to 8
Post by: stretch86 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.