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Wheel Hub Opinion Needed, Please.

Big Blzn

Big Blzn

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I'm trying to get organized to do my 14bff swap and I have this question.
Finally, I researched GeartechHD's wheel hubs to change out the 8-lug hubs to make them 6-lug on my 14 bolt so I can keep my nice MT Classic II and near new 35" BFG AT's and not have to buy all new rims and tires. I got a quote from Wayne, the owner I guess, and for 6-lug hubs, seals, bearings and studs he quoted $795. This doesn't seem to bad considering I'd spend twice this for new rims and tires. I attached a link to the web page for you to see what I'm talking about. I don't need any of the braking components so that was not included in the price. I think I might order these. Is there something I'm not seeing or thinking about as far as this not being a good idea?

Also, I could sell my current 8-lug hubs with new timkin bearings, races, and seals as well as most of my current 8-lug swap for the front D44 to help recoup some of this cost. What is your opinions fellas. thanks in advance fellas.
http://www.geartechhd.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=2&pos=0

Hoby
 
Interesting option. Are you going to run disc or drum on the rear? I'm doing the exact opposite on mine, got one more front hub to swap.
 
There are a couple problems i see, first your wheels will not fit over the center of the wheel hub, secondly you'll need to figure out what disc rotors are used with the hubs (my guess is 6 lug front rotors).
 
4X4HIGH said:
There are a couple problems i see, first your wheels will not fit over the center of the wheel hub, secondly you'll need to figure out what disc rotors are used with the hubs (my guess is 6 lug front rotors).
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Crap! Well, this is why I ask you guys here. Great points. I'll have to find out. Currently all in need for the 14bolt are the caddy calipers. But you are right about my new rotors that are currently installed on the 8lug hubs. Thanks for the heads up.
Hoby
 
Why do you think you would need new tires if you went to 8 lug stuff?

The wheel choices for 8 lug stuff is a bit more limited, and I doubt the MT Classic II's exist in 8 lug for the size you need.

But, as said before, you would need to modify your wheels to fit over the FF 14 bolt hub anyway. Basically you would need to pay $800 and have your wheels machined to keep your MT Classic II's. Or you could sell them, get new wheels and be money ahead. It all depends on which wheels you really want and how much they are worth to you.
 
38377k5 said:
Why do you think you would need new tires if you went to 8 lug stuff?

The wheel choices for 8 lug stuff is a bit more limited, and I doubt the MT Classic II's exist in 8 lug for the size you need.

But, as said before, you would need to modify your wheels to fit over the FF 14 bolt hub anyway. Basically you would need to pay $800 and have your wheels machined to keep your MT Classic II's. Or you could sell them, get new wheels and be money ahead. It all depends on which wheels you really want and how much they are worth to you.
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I see your point. Although I have taken my blazer on some fairly difficult trails here in SoCal, she is still a bit of a trailer queen. I want to keep nice aluminum rims and won't look at steel rims at all. Just not the look i'm after eventhough you guys make good monetary sence. I still could sell the 5 rims and tires that would pay for about 70% of a new set of 5 that are 8-lug and 16" or 17". Maybe that is what you are saying.
Hoby
 
Have you thought about finding a SF 6 lug 14 bolt? You sure as hell won't break that on 35's, it should be a couple hundred bucks or less and you can keep your current wheels and tires.
 
the whole point of upgrading is to, well, UPGRADE...going from 8 lug to 6 lug is not an upgrade...you will be compromising some of the strength, unless like stated above, you get a 6 lug 14 bolt(but is 6 lugs worth it???)...buy new wheels and keep the same tires...it'll be less hassle and worth it in the long run...IMHO
 
38377k5 said:
Have you thought about finding a SF 6 lug 14 bolt? You sure as hell won't break that on 35's, it should be a couple hundred bucks or less and you can keep your current wheels and tires.
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agreed, 14SF is considerably stronger than a 10 bolt, this would be the direction I would go, even if you found an 8 lug 14SF and switched the shafts you would be better off I think
 
Keep in mind whatever way you go is that the 15" aluminum wheels don't fit nicely over 8-lug disc brakes (front or rear). There is very little clearance even on the 16's I put on. I can see why 15's require grinding the calipers. I've heard the steel 15's can work ok sometimes, but if you set on aluminum then I thunk your stuck with 16's or larger.
 
I already have the 14bff and have dropped more than several hundred $$ in to it with parts and labor to get it ready to install so I'm sticking with it. I'm also not going to steel 15" rims which means I will be getting new meats and 16" or 17" aluminum or chrome rims. I did check the hole size in the current 6lug Classic II I have and they are about 3/4" too small and even if I found a place to machine the holes bigger I am only left with about 1/4" of aluminum between the center hole and the lug stud hole. Just not enough meat for my comfort and safety. Looks as though I'll just save a bit more and do it the way that is right for me. thanks for the input fellas.
Hoby
 
gotcha...in that case I'd go with the 17's...there will be ALOT more choices for you in tires and rims...i guess with the popularity of the bigger trucks going with the big wheels, they are easier to get...good luck...
 
blazin' j said:
gotcha...in that case I'd go with the 17's...there will be ALOT more choices for you in tires and rims...i guess with the popularity of the bigger trucks going with the big wheels, they are easier to get...good luck...
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Yeah! thanks again fellas. I spoke with Wayne at their shop and said they would work without spending more than necessary.

As for 17" rims that is fine but good god the same size diameter tire for a 17" rim as compared to a 15" rims is almost twice the price.:eek1: Why is the price so much when there is actually less rubber? Must be supply and demand.

Unfortunately I really like the look of a 15" tire much better.:crazy:
 
For some of the other comments, I would like to see proof that a 15" 8-lug aluminum rim even exists. So if you are dead-set against steel rims than that limits your choices. However I just can't see spending $800 on 6-lug hubs just to keep a set of normal 15" aluminum rims and tires. The few 6-lug 14-bolt FF's I've seen had the center of the hub and axle flange machined down, versus having the center of the wheel machined due to the issue you described.

If you don't mind used you should be able to find a nice set of tires and/or wheels in the 35" range pretty easily.
 
6.2Blazer said:
For some of the other comments, I would like to see proof that a 15" 8-lug aluminum rim even exists. So if you are dead-set against steel rims than that limits your choices. However I just can't see spending $800 on 6-lug hubs just to keep a set of normal 15" aluminum rims and tires. The few 6-lug 14-bolt FF's I've seen had the center of the hub and axle flange machined down, versus having the center of the wheel machined due to the issue you described.

If you don't mind used you should be able to find a nice set of tires and/or wheels in the 35" range pretty easily.
Click to expand...

They don't make 15" 8-lug aluminum rims. I've check everywhere. As I said before, the K5 is a bit of a trailer queen and the aluminum or chrome is the way I going to go on this rig even if I have to spend more money than needed. When I get a trail/beater rig then of course I will get crappy or even nice steelies.
Hoby
 
There are aluminum 15" 8 lug wheels out there. They are VERY hard to find but i used to have a set. They were american racing slotted wheels.
 
I too have seen the 15" 8 lug wheel; in fact ScoobyDan has a set that I am buying from him for a build of a 77. Going back to the 6 lug vs 8 lug stuff; personally I would keep the 8 lug for strength. Why lose the option of having beefy studs to hold on the big meats? I've seen the stock 7/16" studs sheer off with 33's. I like the larger wheel studs myself.
 
I'm a little late, but I'll chip in anyway. I don't feel that the six lug swap is worth it, especially if you shop around. I picked up my used wheels and tires, with only 700 miles on them, for the same price as that kit. And I don't have the tiny wheel studs anymore.
 
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