Swapping drums and bolt patterns

[Tony_Urwin]

I'd like to install Charlie's disc brake kit in my B-1-C, but he can't find rotors with the 5 x 5 bolt pattern. If I switch the front axle to the 5 x 4.5 pattern on Charlies rotors, then it would make sense to switch the rears to 5 x 4.5, too.

Is this as simple as swapping brake drums from a half ton Pilothouse for my 3/4 ton drums?

[Merle Coggins]

I don't know if that would work or not.

I found wheel adapters to go from the 4.5" pattern on the rotors to a 5" pattern for my wheels. They seem to work well so far.

Merle

[Tony_Urwin]

Thanks, Merle. That's probably a better option for the short term anyway.

What thickness did you use? Where did you order yours from?

[Dave72dt]

Strictly a guess, but I'd say you'd have to change axle shafts to get the 4.5 pattern and most had smaller diameter drums on the 1/2 as compared to the 3/4. Check the early Ford Bronco for disc kits as I think they were also a 5 on 5 pattern. The mid fifities F 100's also had the 5 on 5 and there's a lot of aftermarket support for those.

[Merle Coggins]

My wheel adapters, like most, are 1" thick. I don't recall where I got 'em, but I'm thinking it was through ebay. There are several ebay stores that sell them. I just got on the internet and searched for wheel adapters. There are plenty of sources.

I've also been looking at the possibility of removing the drum from one of my original front hubs and see if a rotor for a early 2000's Jeep Cherokee would fit over it and work with my disc brake setup from Charlie. That would keep the 5" spacing. It's a thought that's been rattling around in my head but I haven't had a chance to try it yet.

Merle

[Reg Evans]

You might be able to put your 3/4 hubs on 1/2 ton drums. The wheel adapters sure would be easier though.

These guys have a lot of spacers and adapters.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Jeep-Wheel-Spacers-Adapters-Aluminum-1-5-5x4-5-5-Lug-/330470653102?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4cf195fcae

[Don Coatney]

Another option is to purchase new Wheelvintique wheels that have 10 holes and acomodiate both the 5X5 and 5X4.5 patterns. I have such wheels on my car. You can get them either chrome or smoothie. Cost for chrome was around two hundred and change delivered about 8 years ago.

[Tony_Urwin]

Are you sure, Don? usually the dual pattern wheels are 5x4.5/5x4.75. I've seen 5x5/5x5.5 before.

I do think I will buy aftermarket wheels at some point. Anyone want to buy my 15" B-1-C wheels with the 5x5 bolt pattern? Five cream colored wheels with $700 worth of new radials on them. I'm in Cincinnati.

[Don Coatney]

Are you sure, Don? usually the dual pattern wheels are 5x4.5/5x4.75. I've seen 5x5/5x5.5 before.

You may be correct Tony;

It was several years ago when I bought my wheels and I dont remember the exact spacing.

[greg g]

Yuo might want to contact the folks who make conversions for studebaker. The trucks use a 5 x 5, I have the parts list somewhere but I cant put my fingers on it right now. just google turner brakes.

[48Dodger]

I had 5 on 4.25 rotors changed to 5 on 4.5 by a CNC shop....wasn't expensive and might be a simple option.

48D