Why do dakotas have 6 lug nuts?
#31
07-27-2017, 04:42 PM
Professional
So it's got a Ford rear end under it?
News flash - that's a 8.25" or a 9.25". And for a Gen1, it should be a 8.25", not a 8.8".
Second, it's not a Posi. That's a GM trademark. It may be a SureGrip or a (and here it gets funny) TracLoc (TracLoc is the name applied by the patent owner; they license the patents to Ford also, so that's why they also use TracLoc. Confusing, but the different sizes keep them from being TOO confusing.)
Third, check the GWVR on the door tag; and no, it's a 1/2 ton at best, but it may be a BEEFY 1/2 ton (my 1988 is).
Fourth - Why does it have six lugs? Because they couldn't fit 7 or 8, I guess.
Seriously, I dunno; they changed from a 5x4.5 pattern for 1987-1990 to a 6x4.5 pattern for 1991 up.
As to why it looks like a full size Dodge - well it WAS designed by the same people. But you looking like your Dad doesn't make you an identical twin of Dear Old Dad *grins*
RwP
News flash - that's a 8.25" or a 9.25". And for a Gen1, it should be a 8.25", not a 8.8".
Second, it's not a Posi. That's a GM trademark. It may be a SureGrip or a (and here it gets funny) TracLoc (TracLoc is the name applied by the patent owner; they license the patents to Ford also, so that's why they also use TracLoc. Confusing, but the different sizes keep them from being TOO confusing.)
Third, check the GWVR on the door tag; and no, it's a 1/2 ton at best, but it may be a BEEFY 1/2 ton (my 1988 is).
Fourth - Why does it have six lugs? Because they couldn't fit 7 or 8, I guess.
Seriously, I dunno; they changed from a 5x4.5 pattern for 1987-1990 to a 6x4.5 pattern for 1991 up.
As to why it looks like a full size Dodge - well it WAS designed by the same people. But you looking like your Dad doesn't make you an identical twin of Dear Old Dad *grins*
RwP
Posi, ........the only experience I have with any type of locking rear end is limited slip posi and lunchbox lockers on GM vehicles thank you for clarifying that for me.
Lugs...... LOL
Looking like a full size because they are made by the same people..........ya that makes sense, but the frame is bigger than teh one on my 91 D150 was
Sticker on the door.........5420 lbs so its probably beefy
I like beef
#32
07-27-2017, 10:17 PM
The answer to this thread from years ago, if it wasnt said already, is dodge wanted their midsize truck to be different then other domestic "mid-size" trucks. And they didnt want a Chevy bolt pattern. So, that's why. Then years later they changed it. Dont know or care for the reason on that change. But that's the answer for the first gens.
#33
07-28-2017, 07:11 AM
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#34
07-29-2017, 06:31 PM
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#35
07-31-2017, 11:15 PM
Actually most of the toyotas,nissans and datsuns all had the same 6 lug pattern and most domestic trucks (ford chevy dodge)had the same bolt circle on their 6 lug wheels even though the center hub size was different.The rangers never came in 6 lug.Same goes for the 8 lugs which were almost all interchangeable.Only the Dakota had 6 lugs on 4 1/2 inch bolt circle which I dont believe they did for more strength because why would you take your lightest duty pick up and outfit the weakest rear end they made(7 1/4) with six lugs when at the same time they stopped using 6 lug wheels on their 3/4 ton pickups,those went to a 5 on 5 inch pattern.
light duty 3/4 ton 88-98 Chevys. the heavy duty 3/4 ton versions had 8 lugs like every other 3/4 ton pickup I have ever seen.... Dodge and Chevy 3/4 ton vans (up til 95 anyhow) had 5 lugs like a 1/2 ton then 8 lugs when you got into 1-ton territory.
#36
09-13-2017, 02:18 PM
The answer to this thread from years ago, if it wasnt said already, is dodge wanted their midsize truck to be different then other domestic "mid-size" trucks. And they didnt want a Chevy bolt pattern. So, that's why. Then years later they changed it. Dont know or care for the reason on that change. But that's the answer for the first gens.
Toby is right for both the 5 to 6 swap, and the 6 to 5 swap that Chrysler did. They went to the 6 lug just as a marketing ploy, or, as put by a Chrysler executive (is it bad that i am actually old enough to remember that conversation at the 1990 NY auto show?), to differentiate the Dakota as being midsize and not a compact or full size truck. They went back to the 5 lug in 05 because, well, everyone had 6 lug, so the Dakota was no longer unique.
#37
08-16-2018, 12:57 PM
#39
07-16-2021, 09:26 AM
