Can I convert to 5x114 without adapters?- Read my thoughts

[BrandenD87]

Sooooo, I’m really wanting to run Explorer ST wheels on my lobo. Adapters seem to be out of the question, as the wheels would stick out 6 miles past the edge of the fender. Sooooo, I had a thought.

I have access to any kind of CNC machine you could imagine, as well as a fab department, and heat treating (if necessary). My thought was, press the hubs out, press the studs out, weld up the old stud holes, machine the hub back down so it’s one smooth solid face, then re-drill at 5x114.3 (all done on CNC machines holding sub 6 micron tolerances.)

Does anyone else think this could work??? Or am I crazy?

Picture of factory hub for reference. And yes, I know I’d have to buy all new bearings once I press the old hubs out.

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[Manning]

It's been done in the race car world for sure. You don't even need to weld up the old holes. Just clock it so the new holes are between the old ones.

Any good machine shop can do this.

 

[BrandenD87]

It's been done in the race car world for sure. You don't even need to weld up the old holes. Just clock it so the new holes are between the old ones.

Any good machine shop can do this.

I was also thinking of just doing that, but kinda wasn’t sure how much meat would be between bolt holes when all said and done and if it would be “safe” for daily use.

As far as machine shop goes, I work at Mazak, where we actually build and test the machines. I have plenty of machines and very talented programmers and operators at my disposal. Occasionally, we get to push in a government job every once in a while. Lol

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

I was also thinking of just doing that, but kinda wasn’t sure how much meat would be between bolt holes when all said and done and if it would be “safe” for daily use.

As far as machine shop goes, I work at Mazak, where we actually build and test the machines. I have plenty of machines and very talented programmers and operators at my disposal. Occasionally, we get to push in a government job every once in a while. Lol

Good lord, this brings back memories of 50 years ago, re-drilling a set of wheels on an old Bridgeport, which I don't think even had digital scales,,,,,

HRG

 

[hibred]

I have done something like that on an old bridge port mill so go for it

 

[BrandenD87]

So to everyone who has commented, do you feel like it’s even necessary to fill in the old 5x108 pattern? Or do you think clocking the new pattern to where it lands in between okay?

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

So to everyone who has commented, do you feel like it’s even necessary to fill in the old 5x108 pattern? Or do you think clocking the new pattern to where it lands in between okay?

I don't see a need to weld or fill-in the old holes, but what about the diameter? Won't the 114.3 BC get awful close to the outside edge?

HRG

 

[El Kabong]

Does anyone else think this could work??? Or am I crazy?

Yes - and - maybe.

Not a lot of extra meat on them there hubs, what with modern manufacturing being all about having just enough material to do the job and not more than is needed.

What would be interesting is to know if the Explorer hubs could be fitted, would not have to worry about the hub face diameter.

Of course a complete madman would have custom hubs milled. It's only money after all.

 

[BrandenD87]

I don't see a need to weld or fill-in the old holes, but what about the diameter? Won't the 114.3 BC get awful close to the outside edge?

HRG

It’s funny you say that. I just scrolled back to the top to look at the picture I posted. It does look like it’ll be right at the edge. I plan on putting all my suspension stuff on during the weekend of the 4th. I’ll probably just pull the rotor and measure the hub and see where it’ll put them. If it’s questionable, I may go ahead and just buy a hub. If it doesn’t work, I’m out $75. If it does, then I only have to do 3 more.

Yes - and - maybe.

Not a lot of extra meat on them there hubs, what with modern manufacturing being all about having just enough material to do the job and not more than is needed.

What would be interesting is to know if the Explorer hubs could be fitted, would not have to worry about the hub face diameter.

Of course a complete madman would have custom hubs milled. It's only money after all.

that thought crossed my mind as well. But it looks like the explorer hub is a bolt on assembly. Could still possibly use the same hub itself though??…. Maybe. But then, with the increased diameter of the explorer hub face, who knows if I’d have enough ID on the rotor to fit over the hub. Sounds like I have a lot of measurements to take.

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