Lug Pattern
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 528
Likes: 2
From: Hanau Germany
Lug Pattern
I have a handy tool from one of the aftermarket wheel companies (as far as I remember). It is a hard plastic ring and has all the typical patterns (i.e. 5 x 5 1/2, 5 x 5, 5 x 4 3/4 and 5 x 4 1/2), meaning that there are 4 x 5 holes and each pattern is offset from the other one so that they all fit on that ring. In order to find out what your car / truck has just take a wheel off and try the various patterns until you find the one which fits (i.e. slips on). The same thing can also be used when trying to find out what a wheel has. Just align the holes of the tool and the wheel (best from inside). I guess such a tool can easily be homemade out of cardboard. I could e-mail you a photo of the one I have.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Upstate NY
Lug Pattern
Here's a nifty way to determine the bolt circle (BC) dia. on 5 lug wheels, drums and axles. Measure the distance between centers of the 1st and 3rd bolts or holes. 3-3/4" = 4" BC, 4" = 4-1/4" BC, 4-1/4" = 4-1/2" BC (Avg. Full Size Ford and Mopar cars), 4-1/2" = 4-3/4" BC, 4-11/16" = 5" BC (Avg. Full Size GM Cars) and 5-3/16" = 5-1/2" BC (Full Size Ford, Jeep and Dodge PUs). I carry this chart in my wallet all the time just in case I run across some wheels that strike my fancy and I want to know if they'll fit any of my vehicles.
