I have seen some late model ford 5-lug truck wheels on earlier model trucks. What model years are compatible with a '79 lug pattern? Any help will be appreciated.
Damon

 

model A to 96 ford trucks all use 5&1/2 inch bolt pattern.

 

I'll buy that this info is only good up until Ford quit building trucks in '97. All Ford 1/2 tons, Jeep CJ's, and International 1/2 tons have the same bolt pattern - 5 X 5 1/2. The only difference in the three makes is the center hole.
Ford's have the smallest, which is good if you drive a Ford cause then you can use all 3 makes. You can use a Ford wheel on the back of a Jeep but the front hub is larger and the center hole won't fit. You get the idea...

Trail Rider

 

The only exception to the above, I believe, is the 80-81 F100's which had a 5" bolt circle. (same as car)

 

I've had Dodge Wheels on a couple of Ford Trucks I've had. The Ford dog dish wheelcovers won't work on them though.

 

I've seen many a 67-72 Ford pickup and van with the smaller 5" bolt circle, like cars, I personally think you'd be safe in assuming that "late model" wheels will fit back to ' 73, while we're on this subject what gives with the "standard duty" F250 as of late using a 7 LUG wheel ????