I know there have been numerous posts on this topic, but I am about to get the pig rebuilt and want to know what PRACTICAL advantages you have seen from those of you that have actually switched to the 5" bolt pattern.

the availability of decent rims go up......anything else?

Small bolt pattern = 4"
Large bolt pattern = 4-1/2".

There is no practical advantage beyond wider selection of brake options and wheels.

_________________
一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

well, the upgrade to 1/2" wheelstuds over 7/16" is also nice, especially if you are into handling/high performance.

-james

_________________

sorry about that dan, your right. I wrote that at work and was prgramming the CNC at the time.....heh he....

does anyone make stylish rims for the 4" yet?

I never did find any.

I would also like to know if anyone had used those adapter plates, those bolt on types pop up on ebay now and then, the kind that switch you to the larger pattern via just a bolt over plate.

The 5" pattern exists, but probably not in slanted cars. We're assuming you mean the 4.5"
James and Dan are right.
There's very little mechanical advantage to the 4.5" pattern, over the 4".
Let me add these thoughts:
Having good, new studs and nuts in any pattern is good.
Having all right-hand threads is good.
Having the same bolt pattern all around is good for a street car. (For example, if you do the late - A body disk brake swap, you'll wind up with the 4.5" BC up front)
There's a better selection of 1/2" lugnuts, too

_________________
"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

anyway to change to 4.5 in front without going disk?

anyone use those adapter plates?

I'm not sure I would trust those adapter plates. I've heard a few horror stories about those breaking. The lug nuts holding the plates on needs to be retorqued a few hundred miles after installation.

Also, these adapters are thick! You would not be able to run normal Mopar wheels on them. If you want 7" wide wheels, you would probably need ones with nearly 2" of offset. That's pretty rare even in the world of high offset import wheels.

_________________
"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair

I bought 2 sets of adapters last year. I couldn't use the front ones, 'cause of the weights on the drums. I did use them on the back. Matt is right that it pushes the wheel out a bit. I think it's 1". I was using 215/70 14 tires. I never had a probem, even when burning the tires or power shifting.

_________________
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

Stockton Wheel Co. has a really nice looking wheel in the 4" pattern. I think it even comes in 16 & 17"

Rick

can you elaborate on that?

Rick Covalt, do you know the stockton part number off hand?

I had Moser redrill a set of 10" hubs and drums for me.

_________________
Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

Er...huh?

Mopar's own rallye wheels, Cragar S/S mags, various alloy slot mags, and several others.

_________________
一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

according to cragars website (http://www.cragar.com/Wheels.asp), they don't make anything for a 4" bolt pattern. that doesn't bother me, since I don't care for any of their designs anyway.

the mopar rallye look never appealed to me either. way too over-used for me.

I am looking for a polished look, the ones I saw at the last mopars in the park show were sort of two "S"'s overlapped on each other, but again they only came in 4.5". I can't remember the manufacturer.

Adaptor plates: NO! They are not safe, and in many states are not legal.

Cragar does make the S/S and probably others in 5-on-4.

And I never paid attention to new-style wheels for old-style cars, 'cause I think the mismatch is visually jarring.

_________________
一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.