I am ready to purchase an IFS kit for my 64 f100 SWB truck. Although, I have stumbled onto a dilemma. I was advised to purchase the IFS kit with the 5x4.5" lug pattern to have more options for wheels. I agree with that, but I do not want to purchase wheels with that pattern quite yet. I currently have the original wheels on my truck and would like to use them until I am ready to invest in a new set of wheels (I am also aware that I would need to install some spacers to clear the brake caliper). The issue is that the original wheels have a 5x5.5" lug pattern. My idea was to purchase the IFS kit with the 5x5.5" lug pattern and then change it to the 5x4.5" pattern later on in the future (me thinking that the only change I would have to do would be to purchase a different set of wheel hubs and disc brakes to change the lug pattern). When I spoke to the sales rep for the iFS kit, he mentioned that it would not be that easy to change the lug pattern due to the fact that the spindles are different as well as the brake system. I was a bit surprised. I was under the impression that the spindles are universal for different lug patterns and that the brake systems have nothing to do with that as well. Therefore, if someone has the knowledge as to why spindles and brake systems are unique to lug patterns, I would love to hear how they are unique.
Thank you in advance.

 

What kit?

The spindle is of a certain size. The bearings that go in the rotors need to fit the spindle.

While it is possible that various rotors will fit various spindles finding a 5*5.5 rotor to fit their spindle may be impossible.

 

Forgot to mention the kit. I am currently looking at the Fatman IFS kit.

 

I just came up with an idea. Would it be wise to get the IFS kit with 5x4.5" pattern and just purchase wheel spacers that go from 5x4.5 to 5x5.5 for the time being?

 

The Fatman description is pretty vague, Personally, I find that to be pretty bothersome. But it did say you could upgrade to Wilwood brakes. I've looked into those for my own project and they have dual pattern hubs with both the 4.5 and the 5.5" pattern.

One of the notes in the fatman kit said they use an OE brake package, with may be based on a later model vehicle with larger wheels. So if the disc is any larger than 12", then a 15 inch wheel may not fit at all. even with a spacer.

I think it would be wise to get as much info as you can before committing, so there are no unpleasant surprises! In other words....assume nothing!