[D13]

I have to build a new rear (wore out everyting at 217k) so swapping to 6 bolt axles is no issue. Front end is worn out so a rebuild is in order, so if I was going to change, now would be the time. I wa thinking mild drop on the summer truck, swapping roators is not much more than replacement regular ones cost.

What started this thought is that the weight of the 6.2/auto/air hitting the potholes on my dirt road breaks tire belts on the 15 inchers. It's getting hard to find radial 6 plys in 15", there is a much better selection in 16". Not interested in howling off road tires (once I get on pavement it's a 45 minute drive, a lot at highway speeds) which seems to be needed to get a strong 15". So I thought I'd try 16", which for a 5x5 seems to require aftermarket rims. GM didn't go 17" until after the 6 bolt conversion, and they still get bux for them at my local yards.

If I went 6 bolts I could probably scounge some factory steel wheels from the 80s or early 90's. My concern was how these, which were designed for 4x4, would clear the 2wd front. Guess I'll just have to buy some and pull the studs out of a 2wd hub and start fitting. Like the saying goes, can't get something for nothing.