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What is the Chevy 6-lug pattern?

Chevrolet’s common six-lug pattern refers to a 6-on-5.5-inch bolt circle (139.7 mm) used on most of its full-size trucks and many SUVs. In practical terms, this is the standard wheel mounting configuration you’ll encounter on vehicles like the Silverado and Tahoe family, and it’s the pattern most aftermarket wheels and tires are built to accommodate.


In more detail, a bolt pattern describes how many lug holes a wheel uses and the diameter of the circle those holes define. For Chevy’s prevalent 6-lug setup, the six lug holes are arranged evenly around a circle that spans 5.5 inches (139.7 mm). The exact center bore and lug nut size vary by model year and trim, so you should confirm those specifics for your exact vehicle before buying wheels or spacers.


Where the 6-lug pattern is found on Chevy and GM vehicles


The 6x139.7 mm bolt circle is the standard for most modern GM full-size trucks and SUVs. This includes Chevy and GMC models that share platforms, with some Cadillac models following the same pattern. If you own a vehicle from this family, you’ll encounter a six-lole lugs arranged on a 5.5-inch circle.



  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500HD/3500HD (and corresponding GMC Sierra models)

  • Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban (and GMC Yukon/Yukon XL)

  • Related full-size platforms such as shared GM trucks/SUVs


Note: While the majority of these vehicles use the 6x139.7 pattern, always verify the exact specification for your model year, as there can be exceptions or trim-specific configurations.


How to verify bolt pattern and wheel fitment


Before buying wheels, verify the bolt pattern, center bore, and related clearance to ensure proper fitment and safety.



  • Confirm the bolt pattern by counting the lug holes and measuring the diameter across opposite lug holes (the bolt circle diameter). For Chevy’s common 6-lug setup, this should be 139.7 mm (5.5 inches).

  • Check the center bore size. GM trucks often have a specific hub bore (center hole) size; if your wheel’s bore is larger, you may need hub-centric rings for proper centering and to prevent vibrations.

  • Identify lug nut size and thread pitch for your vehicle. GM trucks commonly use large-diameter, high-torque lug nuts; ensure your hardware matches 9/16-20 or the correct metric equivalent for your model.

  • Assess brake caliper clearance and overall wheel offset. Some aftermarket wheels with the same bolt pattern can interfere with brake components or suspension if offset is not compatible.


Understanding these details helps prevent mounting issues and ensures safe, reliable performance when swapping wheels.


Adapters, spacers, and pattern changes


If you’re considering wheels with a different bolt pattern or offset, you’ll encounter three broad paths: adapters, spacers, and pattern-specific wheels. Each option has trade-offs in safety, performance, and warranty compliance.



  • Adapters and pattern conversion: These devices change the bolt pattern to fit wheels from a different pattern family. While they expand wheel choices, they add rotating mass and can affect hub alignment and braking clearance. Quality and professional installation are essential, and some manufacturers discourage their use on certain vehicles.

  • Hub-centric rings/spacers: Rings ensure proper centering when the wheel bore is larger than the hub, while spacers move the wheel closer or farther from the hub to achieve the desired offset. Use only high-quality hardware and ensure torques, load ratings, and safety certifications are met.

  • Pattern-consistent wheels: The simplest, safest route is to buy wheels that match the 6x139.7 mm pattern (and appropriate offset) designed for Chevy GM full-size trucks. This minimizes risk and preserves vehicle dynamics and warranty terms.


When considering any conversion, consult a qualified shop and verify with your vehicle’s manufacturer or dealer to avoid compromising safety or warranty coverage.


Summary


For most Chevy and GM full-size trucks and SUVs, the 6-lug pattern refers to a 6-on-5.5-inch bolt circle (139.7 mm) with model-specific center bore and lug-nut specifications. Verify the exact pattern, bore size, offset, and clearance for your vehicle before purchasing wheels, and consider manufacturer-approved options or high-quality patterns and installations if you’re exploring adapters or conversions. This approach helps ensure safe, reliable wheel fitment across Chevrolet’s popular truck and SUV lineup.

What bolt pattern are Chevy 6-lug wheels?


6×5.5-inch
Again, the most common Chevy 6-lug measurements are the 6×5.5-inch pattern. This Chevy wheel bolt pattern has been the Chevy Silverado lug pattern for 1500 4×4 pickup trucks since the 1960s.



Is the Ford 6-lug pattern the same as the Chevy?


No, the most common Ford 6-lug pattern ($6 \times 135$mm) is different from the most common Chevy 6-lug pattern ($6 \times 139.7$mm), though some specific models may match. For example, a Ford F-150 uses a $6 \times 135$mm bolt pattern, while a Chevy Silverado typically uses a $6 \times 139.7$mm pattern. There are some exceptions, such as the Ford Ranger and newer Ford Broncos which use the $6 \times 139.7$mm pattern, making them interchangeable with certain Chevy models. 
Different bolt patterns

  • Ford F-150: The most common pattern for recent models is $6 \times 135$mm. 
  • Chevy Silverado: The standard pattern is $6 \times 139.7$mm (also known as 6×5.56 cross 5.56×5.5). 

Exceptions and similarities
  • Ford Ranger: Uses the same $6 \times 139.7$mm pattern as Chevy, but the center bore may be different and require adapters. 
  • Newer Ford Bronco: Uses the $6 \times 139.7$mm pattern, making its wheels interchangeable with Chevy models. 
  • Aftermarket wheels: Often have a universal design with a dual bolt pattern that fits both $6 \times 135$mm and $6 \times 139.7$mm hubs. 

What to check
  • Always confirm the specific bolt pattern for both your vehicle and the wheels you are considering.
  • Check that the center bore (the hole in the center of the wheel) is the correct size for your vehicle's hub, or be prepared to use a hub-centric ring. 
  • Verify that the wheel will not interfere with brake calipers or other suspension components. 



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. 



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.


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.