Is the GMC bolt pattern the same as the Ford?
In most cases, GMC vehicles (GM) and Ford trucks use different bolt patterns, so wheels are not interchangeable without modification. For reference, GM commonly uses 6x139.7 mm (6 on 5.5 inches) on light-duty models and 8x165.1 mm (8 on 6.5 inches) on heavy-duty variants, while Ford uses 6x135 mm (6 on 5.31 inches) on many F-Series trucks and 8x170 mm (8 on 6.69 inches) on Super Duty models.
Bolt pattern basics
Bolt pattern describes how many lug holes a wheel has and the diameter of the circle those holes form around the hub. The combination of lug count and circle diameter is specific to each vehicle, and wheels must match both to mount correctly and safely.
How to read a bolt pattern
A bolt pattern is written as n x d, where n is the number of lug holes and d is the circle diameter in millimeters or inches. Examples commonly seen today include 6x139.7 mm (GM light-duty) and 6x135 mm (Ford F-Series), among others.
Common bolt patterns used by GM (including GMC) and Ford show clear differences that affect wheel compatibility.
- GM light-duty trucks and SUVs: 6x139.7 mm (6 on 5.5 inches) — typical for Silverado/Sierra, Tahoe/Yukon, and similar models.
- GM heavy-duty trucks: 8x165.1 mm (8 on 6.5 inches) — used on many 2500/3500 HD variants.
- Ford F-Series (F-150 and similar): 6x135 mm (6 on 5.31 inches) — standard on most F-150s.
- Ford Super Duty: 8x170 mm (8 on 6.69 inches) — used on heavier duty models like F-250/350.
These differences mean wheels are not interchangeable between GMC and Ford trucks in most cases, and attempting to force fit can lead to safety risks and improper braking alignment.
Interchangeability and safety considerations
Adapters or multi-pattern wheels can, in some circumstances, enable cross-brand compatibility, but they come with significant caveats. An adapter changes the mounting surface geometry and can affect hub centering, wheel offset, and lug engagement. Center bore differences may also require hub-centric rings for proper seating. Any modification should be installed by a qualified professional and verified for load rating, tire clearance, and warranty implications.
In practice, for everyday driving and heavy loads, using wheels that match your vehicle’s lug pattern is the safest and most reliable choice. If you’re crossing brands or upgrading, consult the wheel manufacturer’s fitment charts and your vehicle’s manual, and consider a professional installation to confirm there are no clearance or braking concerns.
What to check when buying wheels
Before purchasing wheels for a GMC or Ford vehicle, verify the following fitment aspects to ensure proper installation and safe operation.
- Lug pattern match (count and bolt circle diameter) for your exact year and model.
- Center bore compatibility or the need for hub-centric rings.
- Wheel offset and backspacing to avoid rubbing and braking interference.
- Load rating and tire size compatibility with the vehicle’s suspension and braking system.
Always double-check with the wheel manufacturer and a certified installer before making a purchase.
Summary
In short, GMC and Ford bolt patterns generally do not match. GM’s common patterns are 6x139.7 mm for light-duty and 8x165.1 mm for heavy-duty, while Ford uses 6x135 mm on most F-Series and 8x170 mm on Super Duty models. If you need wheels across brands, you’ll typically require adapters or choose wheels offered in both patterns, with careful attention to centering, offset, and load ratings. When in doubt, consult a professional to ensure safe fitment.
Can I put Ford rims on a Chevy?
Ford rims will not fit on a Chevy unless they have the same bolt pattern and a large enough center bore, which is uncommon for OEM wheels. Most factory Ford wheels will not fit because of differences in the center bore size, even if the bolt pattern is the same. Aftermarket wheels, which often have a universal or large center hole, are more likely to fit, but you must also check the offset and backspacing to ensure proper fitment and safety. Using wheel adapters is a solution if the bolt patterns don't match.
Key differences to check
- Bolt pattern: Even when the bolt pattern is the same (e.g., 6x5.5), the center bore size and offset are critical for proper fitment.
- Center bore: Ford wheels often have a smaller center bore, which is a primary reason they won't fit on a Chevy without adapters.
- Offset and backspacing: Incorrect offset or backspacing can cause the wheel to rub against the brake caliper or suspension components.
- Hub-centric vs. lug-centric: Some wheels are hub-centric, meaning they rely on the hub for centering, while others are lug-centric. Mismatched systems can lead to vibrations or unsafe driving conditions.
- Wheel adapters: If the bolt pattern is different, you can use adapters to make them fit. These act as an intermediary to convert from one bolt pattern to another. It is crucial to ensure they are high-quality and properly installed to ensure safety.
What to do before swapping rims
- Confirm bolt pattern: Measure or look up the bolt pattern for both the Ford wheel and your Chevy vehicle. A common Chevy pattern is 6x5.5, while a common Ford pattern for many trucks is 6x135mm.
- Check center bore: This is the size of the hole in the middle of the wheel. Even with the same bolt pattern, the center bore must be large enough to fit over the Chevy's hub.
- Verify offset and backspacing: These specifications determine how far the wheel sits from the vehicle's hub. If they are not correct, the wheel could rub against suspension components or the fender.
- Consider adapters: If the fitment is not compatible, consider using adapters to ensure a secure and proper fit.
Do Ford and Chevy have the same lug pattern?
For example, the Ford F150 uses a 6x135mm bolt pattern while the Chevy Silverado uses a 6×139.7mm bolt pattern.
Is 6x5 5 bolt pattern the same as 6x139?
Yes, 6x139.7 is the same as 6x5.5 because they are simply different ways of measuring the same bolt pattern—one in millimeters and the other in inches. The notation refers to a wheel with 6 lug holes that are 139.7mm or 5.5 inches apart from each other.
- 6x139.7: This is the metric measurement for the bolt pattern.
- 6x5.5: This is the standard (imperial) measurement for the same bolt pattern.
- Usage: This is a very common bolt pattern, especially for trucks and SUVs, so you can use either measurement when looking for wheels for vehicles that use this fitment.
Will a Chevy 8 lug fit a Ford?
No, most Chevy 8-lug wheels will not directly fit a Ford, and vice versa, because the bolt patterns are different for most modern trucks. Older Ford trucks (pre-1999) used an 8x6.5" pattern, which is the same as some older Chevy and Dodge models, but modern trucks from all three manufacturers use different patterns (Ford is typically 8x170mm, Chevy is often 8x180mm, and Dodge typically remains 8x6.5"). Additionally, even when the bolt pattern is the same, the center bore size can be different, with GM OEM wheels often having a smaller center hole that won't fit over the larger Ford hub, notes Quora and Facebook.
Key differences and considerations
- Bolt Pattern:
- Older trucks (pre-1999 Ford): Often use an 8x6.5" pattern, which is compatible with some older Chevy and Dodge trucks.
- Modern trucks:
- Ford Super Duty (1999 and newer) uses an 8x170mm pattern.
- Chevy Silverado (2008 and newer) typically uses an 8x180mm pattern.
- Dodge Ram has typically stayed with the 8x6.5" pattern for a longer time, but specific models and years vary.
- Center Bore:
- Even if the bolt pattern matches, the center hole size is often different.
- Stock Chevy wheels often have a smaller center bore, which will not fit the larger hub on a Ford truck.
- Aftermarket wheels are often made with a universal, larger center bore that can fit either a Ford or Chevy hub.
- Adapters:
- To make wheels fit, you can use wheel adapters that change the bolt pattern and/or center bore size.
- For example, adapters are available to go from an 8x170mm Ford pattern to an 8x180mm Chevy pattern.
In summary: Do not assume that an 8-lug Chevy wheel will fit a Ford truck. You must confirm the specific bolt pattern for both vehicles and check the center bore size. In most cases, you will need aftermarket wheels or adapters to make them fit.
