I recently picked up some new wheels with a 5x5.5 bolt pattern, and I needed to figure out a way to convert my front stock 5x135mm pattern to 5x5.5 (with 4WD)- I have an full floater rear end with aftermarket hubs, so those were already converted.. It ended up being much easier than I thought it would, although it took a lot of research. No one makes an aftermarket hub that will work, as far as I know. However, the front hub assemblies are all one piece, sealed, non repairable units which are made by Timkin. As i found out, Timkin also makes very similar units for many applications (a couple of hundred), which can be found here: http://www.timken.com/EN-US/products.../Catalogs.aspx . I downloaded their catalog, and found out that the hub assembly from a 2000-2001 Dodge 1500 (Timken part # HA599863) has the exact same measurements, axle spline size, etc, but has the correct bolt pattern. I picked one up and it bolts right on. It is also available with or without ABS, so you can get rid of the ABS module, which is integrated into the assembly, if you choose to. I just needed to press out the studs and drill it out for 5/8" studs. You do need to run the Dodge rotors, which are slightly larger than the Fords, and re-mount the calipers. But, it is a pretty cheap way to convert a 97-03 Ford 4WD to a much more common lug pattern.

If anyone needs any more info, let me know.

 

link broken. i would be interested in your findings as well.

 

Opps- fixed the link.

I bolted the new hub assembly up last night, and everything fit perfectly. I have some rotors on order, so I will see if I have to re-mount the stock calipers, or go with aftermarket calipers. The stock F150 rotors are 12.13" in diameter, and 1.02" thick. The Dodge rotors are 12.10" in diameter, but 1.18" thick. The diameter is close enough, but the offset may be a little different. I will post up here when I get the rotors and figure it out.

 

cool, so if this works i could change over as well, and figure out my rear. warn use to offer a conversion kit for the 8.8 to be full floater, wonder if i could get one hiding somewhere or make one.

what rear axle u use?

 

Sweet.....I'm gonna keep an eye on this thread.

Maybe I can get rid of these 5x135 to 5x5.5 adapters.

 

wow, them must stick the wheel out a bit lol.
were those like $60 a pc?

 

Good Guess.....they were around 63.75 a piece.

Ya they are about 1.25" thick so they stick out that much farther.

I've got plenty of pics in my gallery. There's alink in my sig if your interested.

It's a mud slinger thats forsure.

 

It is made by Dirt-Tech- http://www.dirt-tech.com/tp_axle_housings.html . You can see pics of my truck here: http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51052

 

Yep- The big issue is going to be whether or not the calipers will need to be relocated. I have aftermarket spindles up front, so it is not a big deal to remount the calipers, but I wouldn't want to do that on the stock spindle (it is cast, I think??). I should know next week when my new rotors arrive. I will update this thread when I find out.

 

i wonder if there was pre 97 f150's that used the 8.8 and had 5x5.5?

 

I picked up a couple of rotors today to check for fitment. The 2000-2004 Dodge 1500 rotors (which are 12") have a huge offset towards the spindle- approx 2" (the stock F150 rotor offset is only about 1"). It doesn't quite rub on the spindle, but it is close, and there is no way to use the stock caliper location. I looked at some 2005-newer rotors (which are bigger at 13") and the offset is only 1.5" offset. You still wouldn't be able to use the stock caliper mounts, but there is plenty of clearance between the rotor and the spindle- plus, they are larger diameter.

So, as far as I have been able to find out, you will have to re-mount your brake calipers to switch bolt patterns

However, it will also allow you to go up to a 13" rotor.

 

I am pretty sure the pre 97s used a rebuildable hub/bearing?? There is no hub assembly listed in the Timken catalog, only separate bearings and seals.

 

sorry i did not convey my complete thought, i was referring to pre 97's using the 8.8 rear and those having a 5x5.5 in the 8.8 rear. i dont know for sure but i thought i seen a few axles in 96 or so that were 8.8's?

 

Sorry for reviving an old thread, but I ran across this on google and have a few questions....Ok, so i've been trying to find another(cheaper) rear diff as they only made the one for these trucks for 6 yrs and are hard as **** to find, the closest thing ive found to work in my truck was a 9.75 which would be great but the guy wants 450 for it drum to drum. My stock 8.8 is toast, needs new diff, all new bearings, new ring and pinion, everything. I could probably get a 9" for next to nothing or an older model 8.8 a helluva alot cheaper. But back on topic, what would keep someone from just redrilling the bolt pattern on the stock f150 rotor, and if need be have the center bored out slightly????

 

if you were to swap in the 9.75, you would need to shorten the rear driveshaft as well... with as cheap as new rotors are, i would definitely get new ones then attempt to redrill them.