Well, I'm pretty happy with what I just picked up. Exactly as described, and supposedly out of a 1997 truck.
Of course, all the little details come out after you look at something, and lug nuts/studs were something I didn't consider.
The axle flange "hub" looks to be the same as the 8.5" eyeballing it, so that shouldn't be an issue with my stock wheels. (the '73-87 ralleys)
However, the lug nuts/studs on the 14SF are obviously larger diameter than the 8.5" lug nuts. Anyone know how this can be worked around, or will the stock ralleys fit with the larger studs?
Couple of options I've heard are either slightly opening up the holes in the wheel (just make sure the lugnuts don't bottom out before snugging up) or having a machine shop turn down the stock studs to the 8.5" size/thread pitch. The 14SF lugs are definitely metric. Obviously I'd rather have the same lug studs/nuts front and rear, and not have to modify the wheels if possible. I was hoping someone made "adapter" lug nuts or something, IF I need to change them.
Also, for u-bolts/upper spring plates, is the best/only option to just grab some off of a 73-87 running a 14SF? I suspect the 14SF axle tube is larger in diameter than the 8.5".
Of course, I could go out and start measuring all this stuff, and comparing, but theres ice all over out there, its dark, and I'd rather sit inside. I figure there are others sitting in front of their computer just waiting for a question that is up their alley.
Of course, all the little details come out after you look at something, and lug nuts/studs were something I didn't consider.
The axle flange "hub" looks to be the same as the 8.5" eyeballing it, so that shouldn't be an issue with my stock wheels. (the '73-87 ralleys)
However, the lug nuts/studs on the 14SF are obviously larger diameter than the 8.5" lug nuts. Anyone know how this can be worked around, or will the stock ralleys fit with the larger studs?
Couple of options I've heard are either slightly opening up the holes in the wheel (just make sure the lugnuts don't bottom out before snugging up) or having a machine shop turn down the stock studs to the 8.5" size/thread pitch. The 14SF lugs are definitely metric. Obviously I'd rather have the same lug studs/nuts front and rear, and not have to modify the wheels if possible. I was hoping someone made "adapter" lug nuts or something, IF I need to change them.
Also, for u-bolts/upper spring plates, is the best/only option to just grab some off of a 73-87 running a 14SF? I suspect the 14SF axle tube is larger in diameter than the 8.5".
Of course, I could go out and start measuring all this stuff, and comparing, but theres ice all over out there, its dark, and I'd rather sit inside. I figure there are others sitting in front of their computer just waiting for a question that is up their alley.
