When did Chevy stop using 8x6 5?
Chevy has not stopped using the 8x6.5 bolt pattern. It remains standard for the brand’s heavy‑duty pickups, the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD, as of the latest model years. The lighter Silverado 1500 line continues with a different, smaller lug pattern.
In automotive terms, 8x6.5 inches refers to eight lug studs arranged on a 6.5‑inch (165.1 mm) bolt circle. While GM’s light‑duty trucks typically use a 6x139.7 mm pattern, the 8x165.1 mm pattern has long been associated with GM’s 3/4‑ton and 1‑ton (heavy‑duty) pickups. There has been no formal discontinuation of this pattern, though it is not used across Chevy’s entire lineup.
Current use in Chevy’s lineup
This list highlights the models in which the 8x165.1 (8x6.5 in) bolt pattern is most commonly found today. Availability can vary by year and trim, so always verify for your specific vehicle.
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
- Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
In practice, these two heavy‑duty pickups are the clearest examples of where the 8x165.1 pattern is standard in recent generations. The lighter Silverado 1500, along with most SUVs like the Tahoe and Suburban, typically use the 6x139.7 mm pattern rather than 8x165.1.
Conclusion: The 8x6.5 bolt pattern is still in use for Chevy’s heavy‑duty trucks and has not been retired for those platforms. If you’re buying wheels, confirm the exact bolt pattern for your model year and trim through the owner's manual or a GM parts lookup.
What does 8x6.5 mean in practice?
8x6.5 (8 on 6.5 inches) describes eight lug studs arranged around a circle of 6.5 inches in diameter. It’s a hallmark of GM’s heavy‑duty trucks, contrasting with the lighter 6x139.7 mm pattern used on most 1500‑series models. When shopping for wheels or tires, be sure to match the bolt pattern, hub bore size, and wheel offset to your exact vehicle configuration.
How to verify your bolt pattern
Use these straightforward steps to confirm whether your wheels use 8x165.1 (8x6.5 in) or another pattern. These checks work whether you’re evaluating used wheels or shopping for replacements.
- Count the lug nuts: eight lugs strongly indicate the 8x165.1 pattern on GM heavy‑duty trucks.
- Measure the bolt circle diameter: measure from the center of one lug hole to the center of the opposite lug hole; a distance close to 6.5 inches (165 mm) confirms 8x165.1.
- Check the vehicle’s placard or door jamb label: it often lists the wheel bolt pattern and other tire/wheel specs.
- Consult official sources: the owner’s manual, GM parts catalogs, or GM’s online wheel pattern lookups can verify the exact pattern for your model year.
- If unsure, consult a tire/wheel professional or your dealership: provide the vehicle VIN for precise confirmation.
Note: Some aftermarket wheels use adapters or spacers that can affect compatibility. Always verify hub bore size, offset, and lug‑nut requirements in addition to the bolt pattern.
Summary
The 8x6.5 bolt pattern has not been retired by Chevrolet; it remains standard for the Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD heavy‑duty pickups, while the lighter 1500 line generally uses a different lug pattern. For buyers and restorers, the key is to confirm the exact bolt pattern for the specific model year and trim using official documentation or VIN‑based lookups.
