My 51 has the origunal 5 on 5 1/2" bolt pattern. Is there any easy way to change this to a 5 on 4 3/4" or some common for a new aftermarket wheel? Wheel spacers/adaptors are not an option due to the stance of the truck. I need to stay with the same oof sets that I have now.

 

Sure, there's easy ways to change your wheel bolt pattern, but they won't necessarily be cheap. You didn't say if you've done any suspension or rear axle swaps, so I'll assume all stock for now. You can get a disc front brake conversion kit in either a 5 on 4.5 or 5 on 4.75 pattern rotors. You may be able to redrill and turn down the center hub of your axle shafts, or you can have custom ones made. That will also include needing to find appropriate brake drums to go with them. It would be far easier to swap the rear axle with one from a late model Ford Explorer, which would give you the 5 on 4.5 pattern. It's the correct width, similar to the stock Dana.

No matter how you slice it, you're going to spend a bunch of money. I hope those new, fancy wheels you want are worth it. ;-)

 

Hey Phil,
You don't necessarily have to spend a ton to get the back end to
5x4.5. We've got a 1950 F1 & we put an Explorer 8.8 axle in there - salvage yard price was $125 plus some new spring perches & shocks. You also may want to flip the springs to keep your low stance. We did run spacers in the back to get the wheels looking right.

Looks like you already have a dropped straight axle up front? Hmmm..
Disc conversion kits are probably a good route to take unless you want to go Mustang II IFS but that's a lot more expensive. Good luck over there - Beautiful truck & nice engine!

Ben in Austin