Can the front hubs be drilled to support 5 X 4.5 lug pattern

[GoldHawg]

Looking into rear end options (Ford 8") and almost all axles have the 5 X 4.5 bolt pattern, and there are easy rear disc kits with that. If I'm upgrading to Spriso's big brake kit on the fronts, can I have the 5 X 4.5 pattern done in Datsun hubs to allow me to have the same style wheels on all four corners (15 X 7)?

[FergO2k]

Never heard of this done on a roadster. When drilling for new pattern, best to start with a blank hub, as swapping from 4 to 5 is going to make some of the holes overlap, but only partially, so once you press out the old stud, the hole for the new one is going to make a "snowman hole" with the old hole.
Weld fill it? Yes, but that much heat and they are going to want to stress relieve it, and it will be prone to warping.
Don't stress relieve? Brake components get Really hot, and you don't want to have repair temps and usage temps approach the same ranges.

[spl310]

I don't think that it can be done. If you figure out how, I'm very interested

[RCMike]

You would need a high offset wheel, say +35 or more, and I would be telling you to check it every 3-500 miles.. but..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4X114-3-TO-5X11 ... 1271759874

[spl310]

I wouldn't want those

[FergO2k]

Good find RCMike. If there is a will, there is a way, but I'd treat it like a race car, and inspect every 500 miles like he suggested, and alum age hardens and reacts badly with steel, so the inspections are not going to go down with time. Wet install the first set of bolts with an epoxy primer, at the very least.
And I am with Sid, I would not do it, Especially if I Drove like RCMike ( both miles and as "spirited")

[spl310]

I'm sure that another hub can be used

[fj20spl311]

Never heard of this done on a roadster. When drilling for new pattern, best to start with a blank hub, as swapping from 4 to 5 is going to make some of the holes overlap, but only partially, so once you press out the old stud, the hole for the new one is going to make a "snowman hole" with the old hole.

NOT TRUE.....4x4.5 and 5x4.5 space out nicely if you reuse one of the studs.

I have heard of it being done, but I not seen how, so can't tell you, if anything special had to be done.

The stock studs are recessed into the flange, so it might be necessary to cut that surface flat on a lathe first.

You could have special hubs made, but that usually runs $500-$1000. If you do, make that out of aluminum......

[pebbles]

The stock studs are recessed into the flange, so it might be necessary to cut that surface flat on a lathe first.

Not a BIG deal to counterbore the backside for the four new studs.
That leaves the meatiness of the hub intact, reducing the risk of flex.
There may be some interference with the rotor bolts. A bolt pattern template would confirm.

image.jpg

Didnt Rhanne have some custom hubs made?

[RCMike]

If you are serious about a Ford 8", there were an AWFUL lot of them done in 4x4.5.. All the I6 cars were 4 lug, except the Mustangs.. And there were a lot more i6's made of the 8" cars..

Just my opinion, as an owner of a '60s Ford..

[GoldHawg]

I'm still looking for the 4 lugs locally, but what I read online suggested they were 4 X 4.25. It may make sense just to have moser make two new axles anyway; not sure how much it would cost me to shorten and respline the existing axles; and if not done locally add shipping. New Moser's run $370 (I think they make any size).

[spl310]

The old Ford cars (pre 1974) were 4x4.5 while the later were 4x4.25 iirc. Something to consider when looking at redrilling is that the rotor bolts to the back of the hub

[fj20spl311]

It may make sense just to have moser make two new axles anyway; not sure how much it would cost me to shorten and respline the existing axles; and if not done locally add shipping. New Moser's run $370 (I think they make any size).

I am sure its easier to convert the rear to 4 lug 4 x 4.5.
New custom axles usually offer any bolt PCD.

EDIT: Moser Part # A28CST - Custom Length Alloy 28 Spline Axles can be ordered in 4x4.5