The Mustang is currently Ford’s longest-produced vehicle — it’s been in continuous production since the mid-1960s. With six generations of models and more than 10,000,000 sold, Ford has outdone itself with this American favorite.
If you’re looking to upgrade your Mustang’s wheels, you should familiarize yourself with its bolt patterns. We’ll cover everything you need to know before buying your next set of wheels, from how to measure lug patterns to the most common Mustang bolt pattern configurations.
Learn more about the wheels on your Ford Mustang with this bolt pattern guide.
What Is a Bolt Pattern?
A bolt pattern is the number and spacing of the lugs used to attach a wheel to the vehicle’s hubs. These patterns are also called:
- Bolt circle
- Lug pattern
- Pitch circle diameter (PCD)
The lug pattern for a wheel is the number of lugs and the distance between opposite bolts. So, in a bolt pattern of 5×5 inches, there are 5 lugs, and the farthest ones are 5 inches from each other.
You have to use different methods of measurement according to the number of bolts to find the accurate bolt pattern for your wheels.
Why Is the Bolt Pattern Important?
Identifying the correct bolt pattern and choosing the right wheels for your vehicle are essential for safety.
If you mount a wheel with the wrong measurements, you might notice a wobble while driving because you can’t properly tighten lugs if they aren’t the right fit. The wrong bolt pattern could also damage the wheels or mounting surface and negatively impact your car’s performance.
Why Are There Different Bolt Patterns?
The number of wheel bolts coincides with the amount of torque and pressure applied to the vehicle’s hubs. Heavier cars and trucks need more bolts to securely attach the wheels and safely handle the vehicle’s weight.
Most modern cars feature 5-lug wheels, but different manufacturers have different bolt pattern standards for their vehicles.
How to Measure Wheel Bolt Patterns
When measuring the distance between lugs, you typically use millimeters or inches. The process will differ depending on whether the wheels have 4 or 5 lugs.
Measuring the Bolt Pattern on 4-Lug Wheels
Finding the pattern is relatively simple when a wheel has 4 bolts. You will measure in a straight line between two bolts that are opposite each other, measuring from the center of each bolt hole. This is typical for wheels with an even number of lugs.
Measuring the Bolt Pattern on 5-Lug Wheels
For 5-lug wheels, you will measure from the outermost point of one of the bolts to the middle point of one of the two holes that are on the farthest opposite side.
Luckily for Ford Mustang owners, the bolt patterns typically align with the generation and you can often find the right measurements without pulling out your measuring tape.
Ford Mustang Lug Patterns
Since its first year of production in 1964, the Ford Mustang has seen many new eras and updates. Mustang lug patterns differ in each generation.
Classic
Classic Mustangs include models from 1965 through 1973. This first generation had variations with either 4-lug or 5-lug wheels.
The classic Mustangs with 4-lug wheels have a bolt pattern of 4×4.5 inches (114.3 millimeters). Those with 5-lug wheels have a bolt pattern of 5×4.5 inches (114.3 millimeters).
Mustang II
The Mustang II generation is made up of models from 1974 to 1978 and featured 4-lug tires. The bolt pattern for these Mustangs is 4×4.25 inches (108 millimeters).
Fox Body
Fox Body Mustangs include 1979 through 1993 models. This third generation features 4-lug wheels and a bolt pattern of 4×4.25 inches (108 millimeters).
SN95
The SN95 Mustang generation encompasses those produced from 1994 through 2004, including the New Edge models introduced in 1999. These Mustangs have 5-lug wheels. Their lug pattern is 5×4.5 inches (114.3 millimeters).
S197
Following the SN95 generation, S197 Mustangs hit the market from 2005 to 2014. These models feature 5-lug wheels and a bolt pattern of 5×4.5 inches (114.3 millimeters).
S550
The sixth generation of Ford Mustangs includes S550 models from 2015 to the present day. These models have 5-lug wheels, and their bolt pattern is 5×4.5 inches (114.3 millimeters), the same as both SN95 and S197.
4-Lug vs. 5-Lug Mustang Wheels
When comparing 4-lug versus 5-lug wheels, both configurations have pros and cons.
Having 4-lug wheels on your Mustang can be beneficial for a few different reasons. They are lighter, which means your car has less unsprung weight. This weight directly impacts:
- Acceleration
- Breaking
- Cornering capabilities
The lighter weight is easier on your Mustang’s suspension. Plus, wheels with 4-lug bolt patterns are also typically cheaper to manufacture, which can help keep costs down.
On the other hand, 5-lug wheels are more common, especially for newer models. They can withstand more pressure and are more suitable for high performance. These wheels are better for heavier cars and give vehicles more stability and security than their 4-lug counterparts. Overall, 5-lug wheels are often the better choice for your Mustang.
If you want to update your wheels from 4 to 5 lugs, there are a couple of methods to convert them.
How to Convert From 4-Lug to 5-Lug Wheels
Some Mustang owners choose to swap out 4-lug wheels for options with 5-lugs because 5-lug wheels are typically more common and easier to find. They can also make the wheel more secure.
To convert from 4 lugs to 5 lugs, you will need the following parts:
- 5-lug hubs
- 5-lug brake rotors
- Additional lug nuts
You will need to remove your Mustang’s current hubs and replace them with 5-lug hubs. Then, you’ll replace your brake rotors and put your new wheels on.
You can also convert your Mustang’s 4-lug wheels using wheel adapters.
How to Convert From 4-Lug to 5-Lug Wheels With Wheel Adapters
Wheel adapters make it possible to use wheels with a different bolt pattern than your original hubs. The wheel is bolted to the adapter rather than attached to the hub, allowing you to add lugs without replacing multiple parts on your Mustang.
Find Wheels With the Bolt Pattern You Need at Top Flight Auto
Your Ford Mustang’s wheels are incredibly important components. With a better understanding of Mustang bolt patterns, you can choose the right options for the style and performance you want.
At Top Flight Automotive, we carry an extensive inventory of Ford Mustang wheels and tires with both 4-lug and 5-lug bolt patterns so you can find the perfect fit for your ride. We make it easy for you to browse by generation and find the exact set you are looking for.
Are you interested in learning more about wheels and tires from Top Flight Automotive? Shop online today!
Sources:
- https://www.ford.com/mustang/
- https://www.topflightautomotive.com/products/ford/mustang/first-generation/wheels-tires/
- https://www.topflightautomotive.com/products/ford/mustang/second-generation/wheels-tires/
- https://www.topflightautomotive.com/products/ford/mustang/third-generation/wheels-tires/
- https://www.topflightautomotive.com/products/ford/mustang/fourth-generation/wheels-tires/
- https://www.topflightautomotive.com/products/ford/mustang/fifth-generation/wheels-tires/
- https://www.topflightautomotive.com/products/ford/mustang/sixth-generation/wheels-tires/
- https://www.topflightautomotive.com/products/ford/mustang/wheels-tires/
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