newer style wheels on older 1/2 4x4

[KansasTwister]

Anyone ever done it? Im thinking about buying a 78 4 wheel drive, half ton, and somebuddy put them goofy looking wheels (on my opinion) on this truck. It has those twist style wheels i believe that became popular in the 90s. Id prefer dog dishes, or maybe the aluminum wheels like what i have on my k5.

The truck

The wheels

On my 86 k5, i have the mickey thompson classic style wheels, and 4 brand new 32x1150s, but those wheels are for my k5, granted i can always buy something else later down the road. The wheels on the truck are usable, but look like crud in my opinion. And the billet grille is gonna go for a 73-74 style. I know the 3/4 ton wheels work on our trucks, but what about the half tons? is the bolt spacing correct? Will i need special lugnuts to retain the center cap? If so who sells them? and I would probably just need to drill out the centers to clear the hubs. I think they would look nice on the older trucks, and he wants 400 with brand new 16" dunlop tires, not sure what size they are. I just thought i heard something about the bolt spacing being wrong or something.

 

[lectric80]

The biggest problem I have seen with the newer style wheels is that they have a lot of backspacing. They push your wheels into steering components, causing binding.

The bolt spacing on 6 lug GM is the same on all the trucks as far as I know. It is just that the newer IFS rigs use far more backspacing. Everyone I have seen has the hub nearly all the way out to the outer edge, and with 11.5's I think you will get into your steering components pretty easily.

 

[KansasTwister]

sorta see them, they arent the classic two style wheels, i think they may be classic 1's, the only stamping i found on them are 15x10. Good looking wheels in my opinion. Brand new tires are in the back of the k5 ready to be mounted. K5s never really go anywhere i figure, so if i need to use the rims i wont feel bad stealing them, i think some steelies would look nicer though, maybe 5 spoke steel cragars? I guess im just planning ahead. Dont even own the truck yet haha, shes not bad, i need to look at her in person see whats all been messed with, but if the engine/tranny/transfer case all look virgin and untouched, shes mine. Ive been wanting a 4x4 longbed for a while, my 2wd longbeds getting worn out.

 

[lectric80]

Those wheels would work ok, I have run some similiar to those on my 80 K5. Personally they are not bad looking, and they can be cleaned up with a Mother's powerball and some polish. If you are doing any really hard wheeling, steelies are the way to go in my opinion. One good smack with a rock will take out aluminum wheels, trust me I have done it.

 

[motomech]

The chrome factory wheels posted above will not work on the blazer due to the fact that the hub hole in the wheel is too small for the K5.

 

[KansasTwister]

The chrome factory wheels posted above will not work on the blazer due to the fact that the hub hole in the wheel is too small for the K5.

probably the same for the 78 i assume?

No worries about an answer, ended up not getting the truck, seller wanted too much, said it was a virgin untouched original, turned out he done this done that been there screwed with that... Oh well. Still got my money in my pocket and i can keep my eyes out for a 3/4 4x4 like i wanted, even though i probably dont need it i would prefer to have more rather than less.