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What bolt pattern is an 8 lug Dodge?

The 8 lug bolt pattern is a common wheel configuration found on many Dodge trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. This pattern refers to the number and arrangement of the lug nuts or bolts that secure the wheel to the vehicle's hub. Understanding the 8 lug bolt pattern is important for properly maintaining and servicing Dodge vehicles with this wheel setup.


What is an 8 Lug Bolt Pattern?


The 8 lug bolt pattern is a wheel configuration where there are 8 lug nuts or bolts that secure the wheel to the vehicle's hub. This pattern is typically found on larger, heavier-duty trucks and SUVs, as it provides a stronger and more secure connection between the wheel and the vehicle.


The 8 lug bolt pattern is measured by the distance between the center of the lug nuts or bolts. This distance is typically expressed in inches, and the most common 8 lug bolt pattern is 6.5 inches (165 mm).


Why is the 8 Lug Bolt Pattern Used on Dodge Vehicles?


The 8 lug bolt pattern is used on Dodge vehicles, particularly their trucks and heavy-duty models, for several reasons:



  • Increased Strength and Durability: The 8 lug pattern provides a stronger and more secure connection between the wheel and the vehicle's hub, which is important for vehicles that are designed to carry heavy loads or tow large trailers.

  • Improved Handling and Stability: The additional lug nuts or bolts help to distribute the weight of the vehicle more evenly across the wheel, which can improve handling and stability, especially at higher speeds or when carrying heavy loads.

  • Enhanced Safety: The 8 lug bolt pattern is less prone to wheel separation or failure, which can be a serious safety concern, especially for larger and heavier vehicles.


Overall, the 8 lug bolt pattern is a common and important feature of many Dodge trucks and heavy-duty vehicles, as it helps to ensure the safety, durability, and performance of these vehicles.

Is 8X6.5 and 8x165 the same lug pattern?


Yes, "8x165" and "8x6.5" refer to the same bolt pattern, as 165.1 millimeters is equal to 6.5 inches. The notation 8x165 uses millimeters, while 8x6.5 uses inches, but they both describe a wheel with eight lug holes spaced in a circle that measures 165.1 mm or 6.5 inches across. 

  • 8x165: This notation uses millimeters to measure the bolt circle diameter. 
  • 8x6.5: This notation uses inches to measure the bolt circle diameter. 
  • Conversion: 165.1 mm≈6.5 inches165.1 mm is approximately equal to 6.5 inches165.1 mm≈6.5 inches. 
  • Compatibility: Wheels designed for an 8x165 bolt pattern will fit on a vehicle with an 8x6.5 bolt pattern, and vice versa. 



Are all 8 lug rims the same pattern?


No, not all 8-lug rims have the same pattern; they have different bolt circle measurements, such as 8x6.5 inches or 8x170mm, which are not interchangeable. Even on vehicles with the same make and model, different years or trims can have different bolt patterns. 

  • Measurement is key: To find the correct pattern, you must count the number of lugs and measure the distance between them. This is expressed as a "bolt pattern," like 8x6.5 or 8x170mm. 
  • Different patterns exist: For example, Ford switched from the 8x6.5 pattern to the 8x170mm pattern in the late 1990s, while Chevrolet continued to use 8x6.5 for a long time before changing to 8x180mm. 
  • Incompatibility: These different patterns are not compatible. A wheel with an 8x6.5 pattern will not fit on a hub that requires an 8x170mm pattern, and vice versa. 
  • Center bore is also a factor: Even if the bolt pattern matches, the size of the center bore (the hole in the center of the wheel) can be different, which also prevents a wheel from fitting, notes this Facebook post. 



Will 8 lug Dodge wheels fit 8 lug Chevy?


No, 8-lug Dodge wheels will not directly fit most Chevy 8-lug hubs because of the difference in the center bore size, even if the bolt pattern is the same. While some older Dodge and Chevy trucks share the same bolt pattern (like 8x6.5), the Dodge's larger center hole is too big for the Chevy hub, which is designed to be supported by its smaller center bore, not just the lug nuts.
 
Key differences:

  • Center bore: Chevy trucks use a smaller center bore to support the wheel's weight, while Dodge wheels have a larger center bore.
  • Bolt pattern: While the bolt pattern can be the same (e.g., 8x6.5 on older models), it is the center bore that prevents a direct fit.
  • Weight support: The center bore is designed to carry the vehicle's weight, not the lug nuts. Forcing a wheel with a larger center bore onto a hub can lead to problems. 

How to make them fit:
  • Machining: The center bore of the Dodge wheel can be machined to match the Chevy hub's size, but this is not recommended for stock wheels as it can compromise their structural integrity, according to this Quora post.
  • Aftermarket wheels: Aftermarket wheels are often made with a larger center bore that can accommodate a wider range of vehicles. In this case, you would simply need to ensure the new wheels have the correct bolt pattern, offset, and backspacing, according to this Quora post. 



What is the Dodge 8 lug bolt pattern?


No, the Dodge is a 8x165mm bolt pattern and the Ford is 8x170mm. Sell the wheels and buy what you want for your new truck.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.