What is the bolt pattern on a 6 lug Chevy?
The six-lug bolt pattern Chevrolet uses most often is 6 on 5.5 inches (6x139.7 mm). This is standard for many light-duty Chevy pickups and SUVs, but some models and years use different patterns. Always verify the exact specification for your vehicle model and year before buying wheels or adapters.
Understanding what the bolt pattern tells you
When people talk about a wheel’s bolt pattern, they’re describing two things: the number of lug holes and the diameter of the circle that passes through the centers of those holes. For Chevy six-lug applications, the typical configuration is six lug holes arranged on a circle with a diameter of 5.5 inches (139.7 mm). This measurement helps ensure the wheel will align with the hub and lugs on the vehicle.
In practice, this means a wheel designed for a 6x139.7 bolt pattern should mount on most Chevrolet light-duty trucks and several SUVs that share that standard. However, Chevrolet’s heavier-duty lineup and some special editions can use different patterns, so verification is essential.
To help drivers and enthusiasts avoid fitment issues, the following quick notes summarize the situation.
- Standard 6-lug Chevy pattern: 6x139.7 mm (6 on 5.5 inches).
- Common vehicles that use this pattern: many Silverado 1500s, Tahoes, Suburbans, and related GM SUVs.
- Heavy-duty GM trucks (e.g., Silverado 2500/3500 HD) often use an 8-lug pattern: 8x165.1 mm (8 on 6.5 inches).
- Always confirm for your exact year, model, and trim — patterns can vary by generation and market.
For ongoing accuracy, remember that the bolt pattern is only part of wheel compatibility. Center bore size, hub-centric design, offset, and lug-nut type also influence whether a wheel will fit properly.
Where the pattern can vary and how to check
While 6x139.7 mm covers the majority of Chevrolet six-lug applications, there are exceptions in Chevrolet’s lineup. Heavy-duty trucks and certain special-edition vehicles may diverge from the standard pattern. When in doubt, confirm with reliable sources such as the owner's manual, the vehicle’s VIN-specific specs, or a trusted parts retailer.
- Most light-duty Chevy pickups and many GM SUVs use 6x139.7 mm.
- Chevrolet heavy-duty trucks (like 2500/3500 series) typically use 8x165.1 mm instead of the 6-lug pattern.
Verifying the exact bolt pattern is the safest approach before ordering wheels or adapters. If you’re unsure, contact a dealership or a professional wheel shop with your VIN to obtain the precise specification for your vehicle.
How to verify the bolt pattern on your Chevy
To ensure you’re matching the correct wheel pattern, follow these steps:
- Check the vehicle’s owner's manual or the manufacturer’s online spec sheet for the exact bolt pattern by year and model.
- If you have access to the wheel, measure the bolt circle diameter by measuring from the center of one lug hole to the center of the opposite lug hole across the wheel. If you’re unsure, use a bolt-pattern gauge.
- Confirm the hub bore size and the lug-nut type/seat (some wheels require specific lug seats and hub-centric rings).
- If you’re buying wheels online or from a shop, provide your VIN or model-year details to verify the pattern and related fitment.
By following these steps, you’ll minimize fitment issues and ensure the wheels you choose match your Chevy’s specifications.
Summary
For the majority of Chevrolet six-lug vehicles, the standard bolt pattern is 6x139.7 mm (6 on 5.5 inches). There are important exceptions, particularly among heavy-duty trucks, which commonly use 8x165.1 mm. Always verify the exact bolt pattern for your specific year and model, along with center bore and lug-nut specifications, before purchasing wheels or adapters.
What trucks have a 6-lug bolt pattern?
The most common model years to use the Chevy 6-lug include:
- Chevrolet Colorado – 2004-2012.
- Chevrolet Express Full-Size Van – 1996-Current.
- Chevrolet Avalanche – 2003-2013.
- Chevrolet Blazer (2WD) – 1969-1999.
- Chevrolet Kodiak Truck (C4500/C5500/C6500) – 2003-Current.
- Chevrolet K5 Blazer (4WD) – 1969-1991.
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.
Are all Chevy 6-lug bolt patterns the same?
No, not all Chevy 6-lug patterns are the same; while most trucks and SUVs share the common 6x5.5-inch (6x139.7mm) pattern, there are other variations, such as the 6x120mm pattern found on some models like the Blazer, and older models or heavy-duty trucks may have different patterns. It's important to verify the specific bolt pattern for your vehicle before purchasing new wheels or spacers.
Common Chevy 6-lug patterns
- 6x5.5" (6x139.7mm): This is the most common bolt pattern found on most Chevy trucks and SUVs, including many Silverado 1500 and similar models from the late 1960s to the present.
- 6x120mm: This pattern is used on some vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Blazer.
Why patterns can differ
- Vehicle model and year: Different models and generations have been produced with different patterns. For example, older full-size trucks used the 6x5.5-inch pattern, while some other models use 6x120mm.
- Heavy-duty vs. light-duty: Heavy-duty models often have different bolt patterns than their lighter-duty counterparts.
- Center bore: Even if the lug pattern is the same, the center bore (the hole in the center of the wheel) might not match. This can prevent a wheel from fitting correctly, even with the correct lug pattern, as shown in the example of a 2025 Colorado and a D-Max, notes bonoss.
How to confirm your vehicle's pattern
- Measure: If you have a 6-lug pattern, you can measure it yourself. Take a tape measure and find the distance from the center of one lug bolt to the center of the lug bolt directly across from it. For a 6-lug wheel, this will be the center-to-center distance of lugs 1 and 4.
- Check with a professional: The most reliable method is to consult your vehicle's owner's manual or have a service professional confirm the correct pattern for your specific make, model, and year.
Is 6x5 5 bolt pattern the same as 6x139?
The 6x139. 7 bolt pattern, also called 6x5. 5, is the most common pattern for trucks, especially Chevy 1500 trucks. This lug pattern has the most wheel options, allowing your truck to truly be as unique as you'd like.
