The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Wheel question

I have a set of modern 6 hole wheels that I plan to put on my stock 59' 1/2t. The first problem was that the center hole is too large. I talked to a couple of wheel guys in town and they say no problem. These are not hub centric wheels. Ok...next problem...the bolt holes in the new wheels are much larger than the original studs... Once again, the local wheel guys say this is not a problem as long as I use acorn style lugs. So...just to triple check with you guys (the experts)...do you see a problem with this setup? The new wheels were cut for 14mm bolts. Can I just install longer 7/16" bolts w/standard acorn nuts and go? Should I find acorn nuts with sleaves? Find another wheel? Thanks for your help. I'm just getting started on my winter project and I am as newbie as they come....

If you are thinking of changing the lug studs, just install the correct size for your new wheels. Another thought, not all lug nuts are the same size, look for an application that uses a heavy 7/16 nut. Try Dorman products to find what you need.

www.dormanproducts.com

What was the original application for the wheels? If they are for an '88 or newer Chevy truck (seems to be the case from the 14mm stud) they won' work on your '59 as the offset will be too far inboard and the will rub the tie rod.

Still trying to find a stud/lug combo to make this work....To answer your question, the wheels are from late 90s Tahoe. 15x8 with 10" tires. If I use this set, I will go to a smaller tire but even with the 10" tires, the wheels bolt on with no interference with the tie rod...though it is real close. Just need more stud length.

Why do you need more stud length? Are you thinking that you need long wheel lugs because this really isn't logical. You only need longer studs if the wheel nut combination puts your lug nuts past the end of the thread. What you probably want is a lug nut that has the correct face angle and doesn't bottom out.

I don't think that you will find studs of a different diameter that fit your hub.

15x8 was never offered on the Tahoe, they are aftermarket/non oe to that vehicle. For the studs, you can go up to a 1/2" diameter stud. You will have to match the knurl (the splined part of the stud) to the stock parts. As I recall, the oe studs are .570" x 7/16" on the knurl, you should be able to go to the flaps and match them up by cross-referencing them in the application guide. You might need to use a duplex type nut with a 7/8" hex if the nut seats are made for the larger type nut.

Thanks for your input guys!

I think I need longer studs because the oem studs only show a couple of threads sticking out of the new wheels. I failed to mention that these are aluminum wheels.

On the studs...I searched through the local parts store books and found something that might work on the rear but nothing for the front. The closest thing on the front would be going to 1/2" but .001 or 2 larger than stock holes. Will they still go in?


I'm thinkin I should just find a steel/chrome set instead.

If you have a couple of threads out past the nut; thats all you need.

A couple of thou larger won't hut a thing. In fact, the studs on the front of mine are about .008" larger than stock. The stud knurl should be the same front and rear, unless you have the Dana diff. You will want at least the diameter of the stud in theads in the nut, a little longer is better. The NHRA actually requires at least twice the thread diameter to be past the nut for wheel retention.