Author Topic: Wheel adapters? 4.5" to 4.75" ?  (Read 3844 times)

Offline Super Blue 72

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Wheel adapters? 4.5" to 4.75" ?
« on: July 23, 2008 - 02:41:26 AM »
Hi guys, goofy question, thanks in advance for any input.  :thumbsup:

Are there adpaters that'll allow a wheel with 4.75" bolt pattern to fit on cars with a 4.5" bolt pattern?

Really goofy but I really like the '77-'81 WS6 Trans Am/Firebird rims.  We used to have these on an old Trans Am and was wondering if these'll fit? I don't have these wheels right now.

Will there be handling issues with this adapter if such an adapter exists?

Thanks!  :thumbsup:
1972 Dodge Challenger Rallye 340, AT, Code TB3=Super Blue, SBD=8/17/1971.  Yes, a Rallye without the fender louvers from the factory because of the body side molding option.

Pic #2 and 3 of my ARII 1/24 scale model car 

Phil in New England-Massachusetts  Always thank God for what you have!

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/456046/1972-dodge-challenger




Offline Moparal

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Re: Wheel adapters? 4.5" to 4.75" ?
« Reply #1 on: July 23, 2008 - 02:45:26 AM »
Moser axles would be safer I would think

Offline go-fish

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Re: Wheel adapters? 4.5" to 4.75" ?
« Reply #2 on: July 23, 2008 - 03:19:39 AM »
The safest way is to get axles with that spacing. For the front, you could do a Willwood disc brake conversion and get the proper lug spacing that way. You wouldn't need adapters then.
When I was ordering my rear end from Strange and my Alter-k-tion, I thought about this because it seems like you can find Chev lug pattern wheels everywhere and they are usually cheaper for used ones because of the prevelance.
If you like the wheels that much and want better discs in front I would go that route. Having the axles made and redrilling the rear drum would be the cheapest part of the pattern swap.
If you go with spacers, they aren't as safe. They would push the wheels out further, possibly too far to use, hitting the fenders. You will probably extend you track by 1.5" or more. Don't know how the offset on the WS6 wheels are.

Offline Jacksboys

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Re: Wheel adapters? 4.5" to 4.75" ?
« Reply #3 on: July 23, 2008 - 03:21:58 AM »
I am not sure about that conversion, but my father ran some 4 to 4.5 adapters on the rear of his dart for a few years without any trouble.   :2cents:
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Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Wheel adapters? 4.5" to 4.75" ?
« Reply #4 on: July 23, 2008 - 04:10:12 AM »
You could just redrill the axles for the bolt pattern
 yes the adapters also exist & will work but may push the wheel to far outward

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Offline Super Blue 72

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Re: Wheel adapters? 4.5" to 4.75" ?
« Reply #5 on: July 23, 2008 - 05:21:23 PM »
Thanks guys!  Definately some food for thought.  :thumbsup: I'm probably better off leaving it alone.  :grinyes:
1972 Dodge Challenger Rallye 340, AT, Code TB3=Super Blue, SBD=8/17/1971.  Yes, a Rallye without the fender louvers from the factory because of the body side molding option.

Pic #2 and 3 of my ARII 1/24 scale model car 

Phil in New England-Massachusetts  Always thank God for what you have!

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/456046/1972-dodge-challenger

Offline Robb

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Re: Wheel adapters? 4.5" to 4.75" ?
« Reply #6 on: July 26, 2008 - 04:15:46 AM »
I am not sure about that conversion, but my father ran some 4 to 4.5 adapters on the rear of his dart for a few years without any trouble.   :2cents:

The rock crawler guys use the spacers and BP converters quite a bit with little trouble, and they beat on those axles pretty arf'n hard.

usually the spacers that convert one bolt pattern to another are at least an inch thick.    Ebay seems to have the best price on spacers.   As someone else said, alot depends on the backspacing of the new wheels you want to use.

Id say the spacers are going to be WAY cheaper than new rear axles and a wilwood kit up front.




You need to start with the offset of those wheels and then go from there. 
« Last Edit: July 26, 2008 - 04:19:54 AM by Robb »

70 Challenger SE  (440 SIX PACK / Keisler 5 speed, R/T SE replication)       68 Sport Satellite Convertible 383 Super Commando / 727  Survivor

2002 Trans AM WS6 convertible:  DD
1999 4Runner 4x4:  lifted-locked-armored  expedition vehicle
1990 Jeep XJ 4x4:  Front Dana 60, GM-14bolt rear, 3 link, 4link, 5.38 detroits, beadlocked 40's, stretched to 110" wb  Rock Crawler

Offline Super Blue 72

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Re: Wheel adapters? 4.5" to 4.75" ?
« Reply #7 on: July 26, 2008 - 05:34:20 AM »
Cool!  Thanks Rob! I'll take a look on Ebay and see what's cooking!  :thumbsup:
1972 Dodge Challenger Rallye 340, AT, Code TB3=Super Blue, SBD=8/17/1971.  Yes, a Rallye without the fender louvers from the factory because of the body side molding option.

Pic #2 and 3 of my ARII 1/24 scale model car 

Phil in New England-Massachusetts  Always thank God for what you have!

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/456046/1972-dodge-challenger