F100 Drums 5x5.5 to diff bolt pattern

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jgf100
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F100 Drums 5x5.5 to diff bolt pattern

Post by jgf100 »

Hi all,

I currently have drums all the way around with the stock bolt pattern of 5x5.5. I am looking to purchase a set of wheels, but it has been difficult to find what I'd like with the bolt pattern. There are a large number of options for 5x5, 5x4.5 and 5x4.75. My question is, is it possible to find drums that will fit my truck, but with a different bolt pattern. I personally have not been able to find it online.
Thanks
1970 F100, stock I beams, stock drums
'70 F100, 302 C4
390FE1972
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Re: F100 Drums 5x5.5 to diff bolt pattern

Post by 390FE1972 »

Here are a couple of threads that talk about this issue:

http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... =5&t=83387
http://fordification.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=27351

Hope this helps :thup:
1972 F250 Sports Custom 390 FE C6 2WD Dana 60 4:10 gears
pcmdub
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Re: F100 Drums 5x5.5 to diff bolt pattern

Post by pcmdub »

This is a common issue. Most people give up and run Torque Thrusts because they are the only nice looking wheel that comes in 5x5.5

The front drums are the main issue. The rear end of the F100 is narrow and so you can use adapters with 1.5" spacing to change the rear bolt pattern to anything you want with plenty of space. The front drums and hubs are the main challenge.

One option is to redrill and install new wheel studs. There is a jig for this but not sure about the strength of some setups to drill more holes in them.
https://www.hellsgatehotrods.com/produc ... ll-guides/
Second option is to change to Disc brakes. Put a 73+ front beams and brakes with disc brakes (I did this option). Then you have a disc that you can take to a machine shop and drill to any bolt pattern you want. Also have them turn down the center bore to match the stock bore of whatever bolt pattern you want.
Third+ options are to change the front end etc...
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sargentrs
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Re: F100 Drums 5x5.5 to diff bolt pattern

Post by sargentrs »

Don't ignore the metric wheels. 5x139.7 is the same as 5x5.5. Just gotta be careful on the center hole diameter, backspacing and offset. My truck has late 80s Dodge rims and my former Fairlane had a Toyota rim for a spare. Had to use it 1 time and the tire was just kissing the ball joint on a tight downhill curve at 50+ mph. Another 1/8" of backspace and it would have cleared.
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1970 F100 Sport Custom Limited LWB, 302cid, 3 on the tree. NO A/C, NO P/S, NO P/B. Currently in 1000 pcs while rebuilding. Project thread: http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=59995 Plan: 351w, C4, LSD, pwr front disc, p/s, a/c, bucket seats, new interior and paint.
1987 F-150 XLT Lariat, 5.0/C6 auto.
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