I have a 1997 4x4 with the 12mm studs, and not the 14mm studs. I see some rotors specifying 12mm or 14mm and others not saying anything about it. I also had someone tell me that the stud size only matters for the 2WD models. So which is it?

 

I would say it does matter, as when you brake, there would be a lot of play, possibly causing wear on the studs, or even have them brake off.

 

possibly. i understand what you are saying. but what about the wheels? i too have a 97 and i put wheels on it from an 02. before i did this i measured the stud holes from both sets of wheels and if there was any difference it was less than 1/4 a millimeter difference. and that may be atributed to tape measure placement/optical illusion. i took that to mean that there was nothing wrong with using the newer wheels on an older truck and have been rolling like this for almost 10,000 miles. but i am curious if its the same for the brakes.

 

I would see this less in the wheels as they are not what is being clamped down on like the rotor.

 

very true, i hadnt thought about that part of it

 

The diameter of the hole on the wheel is more than likely the same, the difference would be the lug nuts. The company that manufactures the rotors is the one who told me that it only matters for the 2WD, so I'm gonna take his word for it as its a pretty good deal. If not...I'm saving their response and they'll have to fork out the refund.

 

With the wheels it doesn't matter, because factory wheels are hub centric (the lug nuts don't center the wheel). Im not sure about the rotor tho...

 

If the lug nuts are torqued down properly then the rotor shouldn't be able to slide back and forth when you brake onna 4x4 . But then again that's only 1mm a side and that's just a hair bigger than a 1/32. Now on a 2wd I can see it cause aren't the studs pressed into the rotor it's self?