Something to chew on

[Big Port Jimmy 6]

I have read a couple of threads on fitting later style wheels on 60-87 trucks. It seems that the major problem is the hub protrudes too far for the wheel center. I wonder how hard it would be to fabricate a spindle to use the 99 up hub in the earlier chassis? You would need some bungs to bore for the ball joint tapers and the tie rod. A large bung that would be machined for the hub assembly and some plate. A jig would have to be fabricated to locate the steering and ball joints. Just some thing to think about. Jay

[N2TRUX]

I see a couple of holes in your free thinking. All the late model wheels are 6 lug. That would work out for 60-71 trucks, but create a need to convert the rear axle on 72-87's.

The second concern with this would be backspace issues. Most of the later wheels have a BS that is not compatible with the earlier trucks.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

I see a couple of holes in your free thinking. All the late model wheels are 6 lug. That would work out for 60-71 trucks, but create a need to convert the rear axle on 72-87's.

The second concern with this would be backspace issues. Most of the later wheels have a BS that is not compatible with the earlier trucks.

72-87 5-lug set-ups should be fairly easy to convert to 6-lug by using 73-87 4x4 rear axles. Back-spacing is definitely not ideal for earlier trucks....

[Big Port Jimmy 6]

It would definately require some serious time measuring the back spacing. The rear would probably work with using the 99 up axle to make the spacing right. Just some thing that is rattling around my warped brain. Jay

[basemodel67]

I also thought about this. I think it would be cool if you could also adapt some big aftermarket brakes - there are A LOT more brake options for the newer trucks than for the old trucks. Seeing how popular 6 lug disc conversions are for old trucks, I would think there is a market for this. And, the offset wheels for newer trucks are kinda cool looking...