What bolt pattern is the Chevy 6 lug?
The Chevrolet six-lug wheel pattern is most commonly 6 on 5.5 inches (139.7 mm between lug centers).
In practice, this pattern is standard on many Chevy light-duty trucks and SUVs, including popular models like the Silverado 1500, Tahoe, and Suburban. However, Chevy’s lineup also includes vehicles that use different lug configurations, especially in heavy-duty (8-lug) variants. Always verify the exact pattern for your specific year, trim, and model before buying wheels or adapters.
Bolt pattern basics
The bolt pattern, or bolt circle, describes how many lug holes there are and the diameter of the circle that passes through the centers of those holes. For Chevy’s common 6-lug setups, the standard circle is 5.5 inches (139.7 mm) in diameter. This means six lug holes are evenly spaced around a 5.5-inch circle on the wheel hub.
Common Chevy models that use this pattern
Below are Chevrolet nameplates historically associated with the 6x5.5 pattern. This list covers popular, non-hybrid, everyday-use vehicles in recent decades.
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (light-duty pickup)
- Chevrolet Tahoe (full-size SUV)
- Chevrolet Suburban (full-size SUV)
- Chevrolet Express vans (cargo/passenger vans)
These examples illustrate where the 6x139.7 mm pattern is commonly found, but variations can occur by year, trim, or market. Always confirm with official specs for your exact vehicle.
How to verify your bolt pattern
To ensure you’re matching the correct lug pattern, follow these steps. They will help you confirm whether your Chevy uses the 6x5.5 inch pattern or a different configuration.
- Inspect the wheel to count how many lug holes it has. A six-lug wheel is a strong indicator you’re dealing with a 6-lug pattern.
- Measure the bolt circle diameter (BCD): measure from the center of one lug hole to the center of the lug hole directly opposite it. For a Chevy 6-lug pattern, you should see about 5.5 inches (139.7 mm).
- If you have access to official documentation for your vehicle (owner’s manual, dealership service sheet, or a VIN lookup), check the wheel lug pattern specification as a definitive answer.
- Consider the hub bore size as well: even with a 6x139.7 pattern, a wheel with an undersized center bore may require hub-centric rings or may not center properly on the hub.
- When purchasing aftermarket wheels or performing a wheel swap, consult the manufacturer’s compatibility charts or a tire/wheel professional to confirm both bolt pattern and hub-related fitment (including offset and backspacing).
Verifying bolt pattern is essential to ensure proper fitment, alignment, and safety. If you’re unsure, seek guidance from a dealership, certified mechanic, or reputable wheel retailer.
Additional considerations for Chevy wheels
Beyond the bolt pattern, other factors influence wheel compatibility. The most common are center bore size, offset, backspacing, and the overall wheel diameter and width. Some Chevy models that traditionally use 6x139.7 mm can also accommodate aftermarket wheels with the same pattern but different offsets. In contrast, heavy-duty models or special editions may switch to an 8-lug pattern (e.g., 8x170 mm in some HD configurations), which is not interchangeable with 6-lug wheels without adapters or different hubs.
Summary
For most Chevy light-duty trucks and SUVs, the 6-lug bolt pattern is 6x5.5 inches (139.7 mm). Always verify the exact pattern for your specific year and model, since exceptions exist across the Chevrolet lineup. When in doubt, consult official manuals, the dealer, or a knowledgeable wheel technician to ensure proper fitment and safety.
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.
What is the bolt pattern on a 6-lug Chevy?
The most common Chevy 6-lug pattern is 6x5.5 inches (also written as 6x139.76 x 139.76𝑥139.7 mm). This pattern is found on a wide range of Chevy trucks and SUVs, including the Silverado 1500, Colorado, and Tahoe. To confirm the pattern on your specific vehicle, you can measure the distance from the center of one lug hole to the center of the one directly opposite it.
Understanding the "6x5.5" measurement
- 6: This indicates that the wheel has six lug holes.
- 5.5: This is the diameter, in inches, of the circle on which the lug holes are mounted.
- 6x139.7mm: This is the metric equivalent of the 6x5.5-inch pattern.
How to confirm the bolt pattern
- Grab a tape measure or ruler.
- Measure from the center of one lug hole to the center of the lug hole directly across from it.
- The measurement you get should be 5.5 inches (139.7139.7139.7 mm).
Important considerations
- While 6x5.5 is the most common, it's always a good idea to verify for your specific vehicle, as other patterns exist for different models and years.
- Heavier-duty trucks, such as the Silverado 2500 and 3500, often use an 8-lug pattern instead.
Are Toyota and Chevy 6-lug the same?
No, a Toyota 6-lug pattern is not the same as a Chevy 6-lug pattern, despite being a common misconception due to the 6x5.5 (6x139.7mm) bolt pattern being shared by both brands. The key differences are that Toyota wheels are hub-centric with a smaller center bore (e.g., 95mm) and use smaller lug nuts (M12), while most Chevy wheels have a larger center bore (e.g., 106.1mm) and use larger lug nuts (M14). This means Chevy wheels cannot directly fit on a Toyota without adapters, and Toyota wheels generally cannot fit on a Chevy without adapters because the hub bore is too small on the Toyota side.
Key differences:
- Center Bore: Toyota has a smaller center bore (around 95mm) compared to Chevy's larger one (around 106.1mm).
- Lug Nuts: Toyota uses M12 lug nuts, while Chevy uses M14 lug nuts.
- Wheel Design: Toyota wheels are typically "hub-centric," meaning the wheel is centered on the hub by the center bore, not just the lug nuts. Chevy wheels are often "lug-centric" or have a larger center bore that is not hub-centric for Toyota's hub.
What this means for compatibility:
- Chevy wheels on Toyota: You cannot directly put Chevy wheels on a Toyota because the center bore is too small, and the lug nuts won't fit correctly. You would need special adapters for both the center bore and the lug nuts to make them work.
- Toyota wheels on Chevy: You generally cannot put Toyota wheels on a Chevy without adapters because the center bore is too small.
- Aftermarket wheels: Aftermarket wheels are often available in both hub-centric designs and with different bolt patterns to fit both Toyota and Chevy vehicles. You need to ensure the wheel is specified to fit your vehicle's specific center bore and lug nut size.
Are Ford and Chevy 6-lug the same?
No, Ford and Chevy 6-lug patterns are not always the same, as different models use different bolt patterns, such as the Ford F-150's 6x135mm6 x 135 m m6𝑥135𝑚𝑚 pattern and the Chevy Silverado's 6x139.7mm6 x 139.7 m m6𝑥139.7𝑚𝑚 pattern. However, some specific Ford and Chevy models share a common bolt pattern like 6x139.7mm6 x 139.7 m m6𝑥139.7𝑚𝑚, and for those vehicles, wheels can be interchangeable, though issues may arise with the center bore or wheel offset.
Common bolt patterns
- Ford F-150: Uses a 6x135mm6 x 135 m m6𝑥135𝑚𝑚 bolt pattern.
- Chevy Silverado: Uses a 6x139.7mm6 x 139.7 m m6𝑥139.7𝑚𝑚 bolt pattern.
- Ford Ranger: Can share a 6x139.7mm6 x 139.7 m m6𝑥139.7𝑚𝑚 bolt pattern with some Chevy models.
Potential issues and solutions
- Center Bore: Even if the bolt pattern is the same, the hole in the center of the wheel (center bore) may be a different size. For example, some Ford vehicles have a larger center bore than Chevy vehicles.
- Wheel Offset: The offset can also be different, which affects how the wheel sits in relation to the vehicle's suspension.
- Solution: If the center bore is different, you may need a hub-centric ring or a wheel adapter to ensure a proper fit and prevent vibration.
Important considerations
- Measure first: Always confirm the specific lug pattern for your vehicle's year, make, and model before purchasing new wheels.
- Check with a professional: When in doubt, it is best to consult with a service team or a wheel specialist to ensure a correct fit and safe installation.
