What is the bolt pattern on a 1947 Ford truck?
The bolt pattern on a 1947 Ford truck is five lugs on a 4.5-inch bolt circle (5x114.3 mm).
In the immediate postwar era, Ford’s trucks commonly used a 5-lug mounting pattern on a 4.5-inch circle. This article explains the standard pattern, how to verify it on your vehicle, and what it means for wheel choices and upgrades.
Bolt pattern basics for the 1947 Ford truck
Understanding the bolt pattern helps determine wheel compatibility, hub fitment, and brake clearance. For most 1947 Ford trucks, the typical specification is 5 lug holes arranged on a 4.5-inch circle.
Model-year variations and compatibility
While the 1947 F-Series trucks generally follow the 5x4.5 pattern, variations can exist depending on the exact axle or factory option. Always measure the pattern on your own axle or consult a factory manual or parts reference for your specific vehicle to confirm before purchasing wheels or adapters.
Before before you start shopping for wheels, confirm the pattern with a quick measurement or by cross-checking the axle housing design. This helps prevent fitment issues and ensures safe, reliable mounting.
To verify the bolt pattern on a 1947 Ford truck, follow these steps.
- Count the lug holes on the hub or wheel flange to confirm there are five in total.
- Measure the bolt circle diameter (BCD) by measuring the distance between opposite lug holes across the center of the hub; the standard for this truck is 4.5 inches (114.3 mm).
- Check the hub bore and wheel centering method (hub-centric vs. lug-centric) to ensure proper alignment and seating of the wheel.
- Assess brake drum/hub surface clearance to confirm the wheel mounting surface will not interfere with braking components.
Verifying these factors ensures the chosen wheels will fit properly and rotate without interference.
If the bolt pattern checks out as 5x4.5, you have several practical wheel options to consider.
- Original-era wheels: Seek period-correct 5x4.5 wheels, commonly 15-inch steel wheels used on late 1940s F-Series trucks.
- Aftermarket wheels: Many shops offer wheels in a 5x4.5 pattern in various sizes (often 15" or 16"), with appropriate offset for vintage builds or modern looks.
- Adapters and conversions: If you encounter a different pattern, adapters exist, but they can affect offset, ground clearance, and hub loading; use high-quality, vehicle-rated adapters and ensure proper torque specifications.
- Centering and offset considerations: Match whether the wheel is hub-centric or lug-centric and verify offset to avoid rubbing on suspension components or fenders.
With the right wheel choice and proper mounting practices, a 1947 Ford truck can wear period-correct wheels or modern replacements while maintaining safety and road ability.
Summary
In short, the 1947 Ford truck uses a 5-lug on a 4.5-inch bolt circle (5x114.3 mm). Always verify on your specific axle, as there can be variations by model or option. When replacing wheels, choose 5x4.5 patterns and pay attention to center bore and offset; if you must use adapters, select high-quality hardware and confirm compatibility with your braking and suspension components.
