Understanding wheel spacing measurements

[ngzcaz]

I've tried finding this on the wheels forum but I'm a bit confused. My 89 Ranger supposedly takes the 5 x 4 1/2 lug pattern. This means 5 lug studs spaced 4 1/2 inch apart ? The 5 studs are correct but not the 4 1/2 in spacing. I'm getting around 3 1/2 center to center. I certainly don't want to order the wrong wheels and then have to send them back
Am I missing how this is measured or misunderstanding the jargon used in determining this ?

 

[brokemechanic3000]

look in the info section

 

[Jay W]

A circle is drawn that intersects the center line of each wheel stud. The diameter of that circle, for you, is 4 1/2". It's called a bolt circle diameter.

 

[Mac]

The 4 1/2" refers to the bolt circle. All the small Fords have shared that bolt circle if having (5) lugs dince the early 60's. From one stud to the next should be just over 2 5/8"
Dave

 

[veefer800canuck]

as mentioned, the measurement is not from one bolt hole to the next.

5x4.5 is correct. it is also referred to as 5x114.3 (metric) which is the exact same.

 

[ngzcaz]

A circle is drawn that intersects the center line of each wheel stud. The diameter of that circle, for you, is 4 1/2". It's called a bolt circle diameter.

Thanks... thanks the info I was looking for. Now everything makes sense..

 

[adsm08]

The 4 1/2" refers to the bolt circle. All the small Fords have shared that bolt circle if having (5) lugs dince the early 60's. From one stud to the next should be just over 2 5/8"
Dave

Not all of them. The fwd stuff had a different pattern prior to 2002 I think was the year it changed.

Postin' from teh Galaxy