72 Blazer Wheels

[buckkoo]

Just picked up a 72 K5 today, it needs tires and rims and as the old 15" white spoke rims and tires are shot.

Will any 6 lug Chevy/GMC wheels work?

I'm thinking that a set off of CL is the cheapest route for now.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by buckkoo

Just picked up a 72 K5 today, it needs tires and rims and as the old 15" white spoke rims and tires are shot.

Will any 6 lug Chevy/GMC wheels work?

I'm thinking that a set off of CL is the cheapest route for now.

Yes and no.
The bolt circle is the same, but the front hubs on the Blazers are too large to fit some of the OEM rims. The rear is no problem.

[72FamilyBlazer]

Not to mention the front disc brake calipers are ENORMOUS. Ensure spacing and clearance before buying.

[buckkoo]

I did a search and read through 134 forum posts on the topic and haven't seen anyone running Chevy rims post 2000.

I believe that there is a local machine shop that might be able to bore the center out, however as mentioned there may be a clearance issue.

[truckster]

The 73-up truck rally wheels work great and you can still find them around.

[buckkoo]

Thanks, placing a WTB on the Ads Page.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by buckkoo

I did a search and read through 134 forum posts on the topic and haven't seen anyone running Chevy rims post 2000.

I believe that there is a local machine shop that might be able to bore the center out, however as mentioned there may be a clearance issue.

When I was restoring my Blazer, I used 2003 steel rims to be able to roll the chassis around the shop. I had to torch the centers larger for them to fit.

Caliper clearance should not be an issue with your stock 1972 brakes. Your truck came from the factory with 15" rims and disc brakes with no clearance issues. Regardless, they haven't used a 15" rim in decades, so any rim post 2000 should fit as long as you have a large enough center hole.
I'm running late model rotors and 4 piston calipers on my truck with 15" factory rally rims. It took quite a bit of engineering, but I got everything to fit.

As far as getting a machine shop to make the hole larger, you may find out that most machine shops won't do it due to liability. I won't machine anything for a customer if it's safety related unless it's for racing only. It's just not worth the risk. Even if you found someone to do it, by the time you pay for their service, you will be better to purchase new rims. IMO, a late model OEM rim looks like crap on older vehicles.

[buckkoo]

Thanks, I'm arriving at the same conclusion. 15x8 Rallys will be tough to beat for now.

[YellowK5]

I took the Rally wheels off my dads 77 PU and put them on my 72 blazer k5

[special-K]

Any older aftermarket 15" 6-lug wheels will work as well, if that's what you run across.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Is 1999 a winning number for a '71 GMC K/1500? I have 4 take off rims in 16x8 from my buddy's '99 4x4 Suburban. Can I use them with 235/75 [or 85] /16LT tires?
6 X 5.5 lug pattern.
They were free.

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Is 1999 a winning number for a '71 GMC K/1500? I have 4 take off rims in 16x8 from my buddy's '99 4x4 Suburban. Can I use them with 235/75 [or 85] /16LT tires?
6 X 5.5 lug pattern.
They were free.

If the center hole is big enough they will fit. Won't look right, but should fit.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by hemi43

If the center hole is big enough they will fit. Won't look right, but should fit.

Is the backspacing different?

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Is the backspacing different?

I can't recall exactly what the back spacing number is, but it will be very close. The only time you get into issues with back spacing is with front wheel drive vehicles or some of the larger heavy duty trucks.

You wont have a problem as far as back spacing.

[hemi43]

One thing I forgot to mention in my past few posts.
69-72 Blazers use 7/16" studs, so you may have difficulty finding 7/16" lug nuts to fit late model rims, and in fact I'm not sure if they are even available . Late model rims use 14 mm studs.

Edit; I guess they are in fact available----> https://lugnutguys.com/products/dual...en-end-7-16-20

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by hemi43

One thing I forgot to mention in my past few posts.
69-72 Blazers use 7/16" studs, so you may have difficulty finding 7/16" lug nuts to fit late model rims, and in fact I'm not sure if they are even available . Late model rims use 14 mm studs.

Edit; I guess they are in fact available----> https://lugnutguys.com/products/dual...en-end-7-16-20

Thanks for the link. I hadn't thought of that. I naively assumed lug nuts is lug nuts.
I will also check the Warn hub/wheel hole clearance. I understand some machinists won't hone them open for liability reasons.
The New-Tires-on-the-Jimmy project is on hold while I get the Stepside back on the road.

[rayray767]

I’ve got a set of rallies in silver I got in storage 300.00 614-949 6906 texted for pics