Posted By: GLR
1998 Dakota -convert from 6 lug rims to 5 lug 4 1/2" ?? - 02/19/13 04:02 PM
Hello, I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota 4cy. 5 speed 2WD pick up that I use for a shop truck for gas mileage. I am working on getting the truck painted and I Hate the rims that are on it. I would like to put a set of 15" Magnum 500 wheels or a set of aluminium slots on it. Does anyone know of like different front hubs/rotors and rear axle assembly that has 5 lug 4 1/2" Bolt circle that I can put on it? Maybe a different year Dakota? or?
Thanks..in advance..
Posted By: bobby66
Re: 1998 Dakota -convert from 6 lug rims to 5 lug 4 1/2" ?? - 02/19/13 11:38 PM
I think the early Dakotas were 5-lug. Post in the truck forum and those guys will hook you up.
Posted By: Stanton
Re: 1998 Dakota -convert from 6 lug rims to 5 lug 4 1/2" ?? - 02/19/13 11:49 PM
The early models were definitely 5 on 4-1/2 BS ... I had cop car wheels on mine !!
You could probably easily find and swap in an early rear end or even an 8-1/4 or 8-3/4 but the front rotors will be the issue ... I don't know if the early and later ones are interchangeable.
Posted By: Dakota_Don
Re: 1998 Dakota -convert from 6 lug rims to 5 lug 4 1/2" ?? - 02/20/13 01:22 AM
it would have to be first gen only, 2nd gen were 6 as well as the 97 and up.. but as far as i know you cant change over to 5 lug unless u find a wheel hub assembly to do it..
Posted By: GLR
Re: 1998 Dakota -convert from 6 lug rims to 5 lug 4 1/2" ?? - 02/20/13 02:06 AM
Yea...I did some checking and that is the problem. The front hub assembly. I don't know if I can have it re-drilled for the 5 lug pattern or not. I guess I will have to do some more research. I know that Minivans have a slimier front bearing/ Hub assembly and they are 4 1/2 " bolt circle.
Posted By: dogdays
Re: 1998 Dakota -convert from 6 lug rims to 5 lug 4 1/2" ?? - 02/20/13 02:07 AM
Post on the truck forum, the 5 and 6 lug experts are over there.
R.
Posted By: GLR
Re: 1998 Dakota -convert from 6 lug rims to 5 lug 4 1/2" ?? - 02/20/13 02:17 AM
Dogdays.... which Truck Forum are you talking about? The Dakotaforums.com ?
Posted By: GLR
Re: 1998 Dakota -convert from 6 lug rims to 5 lug 4 1/2" ?? - 02/20/13 03:34 AM
I think I would have better luck having the hubs re-drilled at a more local machine shop. Manufacturing places usually won't do custom work, for multiple reasons.
Posted By: sixpack4spd
Re: 1998 Dakota -convert from 6 lug rims to 5 lug 4 1/2" ?? - 02/20/13 04:14 AM
I read 2nd gen can be swapped over to 5 lug. 3rd gen needs to be redrilled. Moser will do it, $90 per hub. How bad do you want it? What's nice is the front hub unbolts from the spindle. I swapped one out when the wheel bearing went bad. Real easy to R&R.
http://www.moserengineering.com/moser/shop-services/
Posted By: Dakota_Don
Re: 1998 Dakota -convert from 6 lug rims to 5 lug 4 1/2" ?? - 02/20/13 04:18 AM
the 2nd can be swaped real easy by using the 1st gen rotors,.. if you can get the hubs drilled that would be great.. might wanna have them do an extra in case one goes bad..
Posted By: rallye73
Re: 1998 Dakota -convert from 6 lug rims to 5 lug 4 1/2" ?? - 02/20/13 04:21 AM
We swapped a 96 dakota a few years ago. We used the early 5 lug dakota rotors for the front and swapped out the 8 1/4 for a 9in. That gave the truck a 5x4.5 front and back.
Posted By: GLR
Re: 1998 Dakota -convert from 6 lug rims to 5 lug 4 1/2" ?? - 02/20/13 04:24 AM
I want to be clear about something... is the 1st Generation 1987-to 1990? and 2nd Generation 1991-96 and third 1997-04...Correct?
Posted By: Dakota_Don
Re: 1998 Dakota -convert from 6 lug rims to 5 lug 4 1/2" ?? - 02/20/13 04:24 AM
not to high jack, but what were the measurements of the new rear you installed? what did it come from? what mods if any did u have to do?