Guys, I have a 97 f150 - and I know Ford actually made a F250 using the same body style. What changed beside the 8 lug hubs? What would it take to convert over to the 8 lug wheels? Change the rear axle?, does the complete front end have to be changed out or can you just change the actual hub/brake rotor/caliper?
thanks! Jim

 

Actually the F250 model that is a body style like the the f150 known as an f150 7700 model has 7 lugs not an 8 bolt pattern like the bigger framed f250 models

I also have a 97 f150 and trust me you wont have to change the rear axle because we are very lucky!
On the 97 model the rear end is a 9 3/4 rear which is what comes on and f350 model so we have the strongest axle made from ford for our truck.

On the front you would probably have to do a SAS (solid axle swap) because the lugs themselves on and f250 on attached to the internal axle shaft as a whole hub piece.

So even though the rear of the truck is a 5 Lug its still the strongest axle ford put on our trucks.

 

Thank you for the information - honestly 7 bolts I never paid any attention. So the rear change over to 8 lug can be done on the same axle? Thanks! Jim

 

I don't believe it is the same. I believe the F350 uses a 10.25 axle, not a 9.75.

 

Oh ok well I know that I was told that the rear is considered a 1 ton axle. Now that doesnt necessarily mean its a 1 ton dually axle but just considered a 1 ton size.

 

All the super duties use the 10.25 to my knowledge, F250 and up. The 9.25 comes on the F150 only.

 

so is the fastest way to bolt 8 lug wheels a set of adapter made going from 5 x 135 to 8 x 170? I do appreciate all the information being provided. Thank-you. Jim

 

eh its very very unlikely you will ever find a place to make you adapters that will go from 5-8 lug.

Best bet is try to find a machine ship that can make you some hubs for the truck. my buddy made some hubs for his Dakota a year or two back. But expect to break the bank for it.

 

Thank you all for the discussion, I notice vendors on Ebay, I will send them a message and get a response for a 5 to 8 adapter. But if that does not work change the axles complete? Jim