Can some one please explain stock 8 lug wheels to me?

[Sicklajoie]

Originally Posted by tev

Fellas,

I've got the same issue and could use some help. I have a stock 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4x4 with heavy duty front and rear factory springs. It's got really nice looking 16.5x7 original wheels but tiny 8.75x16 tires that are only 29.5" tall -- and 4:10 rear end. I need bigger tires for highway movin too.

I want to keep the factory look and need some 16 inch stock looking wheels that'll fit over the brakes. I did some homework and found this thread. Had no idea Ford 8 lug wheels would work. Before I bite the bullet, could someone take a look and let me know if these wheels will work? I also have the original caps.

Modern Ford 8 lug 16x7s from econoline vans - will these fit with no problems and will they take the caps?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141607283347...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

http://www.ebay.com/itm/16-FORD-VAN-...90494417&rt=nc

And based on what I've read here, any GM 8 bolts after 88 won't work, right? Here are a couple:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/261449636814...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

http://www.getallparts.com/GMC-K2500...FQ8waQod5pwAhg

Thanks in advance for all advice.

If you still want to run caps, the Ford rims you posted will not work. they don't have the nubs to hold the hubcaps on.
These will work, notice the 4 nubs.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Refinished-F...47c32a&vxp=mtr

[factorystock]

Great wisdom, ask for knowledge before buying. For '72, the 16.5" wheel was the one piece solid, the 16" wheel was the 2 piece. For some strange reason the 16" one piece Chevy 8 lug didn't arrive till the mid 70's, but didn't get wide spread use until early 80's. Now the 16.5" was available in a few different widths, yours is the narrower 6.75, there was a 8.25" and wider 9.75 for larger 16.5" tires. The 16.5" tires can still be ordered today, but you can't but any taller size tire than what you already have on your narrow 16.5 rim. So it looks like you are probably in the right direction going to 16" wheels. With a 16" rim, you can go to a much taller 215 or 235 85 16 tire. Must be 85 series for the tallest tire. The most common Chevy 8 lug 16" x 6 was made up until '87, some carryover (square body) models used them to '91.THese were bump type wheels that accept the standard 12" hubcap. Stay away from late 80's and 90's 16" wheels designed for plastic center caps only (your fourth link). Some Ford pickup and Econoline 16"x6 and 16x7 will work also. The Econoline wheels in the first and second link will bolt on, but they have no nubs for hubcaps, they were designed for full wheel covers only. Pre 2006 Ford Econoline wheels have the bumps and will work. The third link is a GM 16"x6, they will work, but those are the "van" postive offset wheels ( hubcap will be closer to the curb) vs. the standard pickup wheels (see special K's and sickla joe's photos and links, they are all good choices).

[Sicklajoie]

These are the Ford van rims just like the link I provided, on 265/75/16 tires. The tires are 31.5" tall.