Lug-Centric vs. Hub-Centric

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Hey guys, I was looking around and planning stuff for my wheel upgrade (24s) and came across this question. I know there are alot on here running 24s so please tune in no matter your year.
The stock Tahoe wheels mount against the hub and balance out before the wheels are mounted, then with the use of the stud are held in place (hubcentric).
While I heard most aftermarket wheels use the wheel studs to bolt on and hold the weight of the vehicle while the hub isn't really used at all (Lugcentric).
The main question here is what are you'll doing? I have read lugcentric is never good unless hubcentric mounting is not possible. I also read that lugcentric causes vibrations because its hard to balance a wheel properly with only studs (many on here ask about vibrations after aftermarket wheel were installed).
So is a hucentric adapter a good idea to keep the stock design, any links you'll may have to them.
Thanks!
 

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I have some vibration, which "might" be attributed to the lugcentric wheels. I'm going to be getting some hub center rings or some type of adapter to install very soon so cut that down some...


BOSS
 

mdtahoe

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Most decent quality wheels come with a hub centering ring, that fits perfectly in the rim and perfectly over the hub
 
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Thanks for the input so far, any more?
 

JKmotorsports

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Hubcentric is best, not only for balancing, but also so the weight of the vehicle isn't resting on the lugnut studs alone. Use hubcentric rings if at all possible. If I don't have a vehicle specific wheel setup that will fit perfectly over the hubs, I'll use rings to make sure everything is perfect for balancing and safety.
 

JD Larue

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When I was shopping for my wheels the manager at Les Schwab Tires said he'd never put lugcentric wheels on his truck. Didn't ask why, just took his word for it and got hubcentric. All the weight on the lugs just doesn't sound like a great idea to me. For what it's worth.
 
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Yeah to me it sounds like a horrible idea, I remember you from TF!?
 

DwDrummer

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If you get a set of lug centric Wheels def. make sure you get hubcentric rings or your truck will shake like crazy under braking. When I put a set of Boss 330's on my 08 Silverado they would shake the whole truck while braking but after I put the hub centric rings on it stopped it! Just a heads up dude.
 
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Thanks for the input.
Alright I'm def. doing hubcentric setup not.
Where do I get the rings?
Whats the difference between the plastic and the aluminum/metal ones?
 

Timgco

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all the ring does is center the wheel better than utilizing the lugs to center the wheel before cranking them down tight. I have lugcentric on both my H3 and Tahoe. Without the rings, the vibrations sucked! After the plastic hubcentric rings were installed, the issue went away almost 100%.

If you have a choice, go with hub centric, but if not, just make sure to use the rings. plastic or aluminum they do the same thing, the aluminum would be my preference, but I have plastic on both trucks. I have about 13K on the H3 with 35's and no issues. The Tahoe only has about 1200 miles with these 17" Hoss rims, and 285 bfg at's.
 
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Thanks man, yall really cleared it up for me!
 

Max

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It has to do with the way the wheel seats on the mounting surface. Take a look at a toyota wheel next time you see one, even though the bolt pattern is the same as a gm 1/2 ton, the hub bore is significantly larger. Toyotas use a lug centric wheel which requires a shank style lug nut that sleeves into the lug opening in the wheel whereas the gms are seated by the hub bearing assembly. You can use toyota wheels on a gm, just be sure to use a hubcentric ring, effectively taking the place of material otherwise present in a hubcentric wheel design. I have lots of rings floating around my shop if you need a set.
 
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Thanks Max, I should be picking up a set from you in the next months as you know the size I need!
I just looked at a Sequoia wheel and noticed what you are talking about!
 

Mr45

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OK, that sounds like something I'm running into.

I have some lug-centric wheels mounted on my '01, and can't seem to shake the vibration. (wheels mount with acorn style lugnuts).
How do I go about getting a set of adapters? How does the sizing work?
 

Alex29573

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i have no idea if my rims are lug or hub - centric? how can i tell? any pics?
 
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Uhm, the best I can say id to pop the center cap and see if its touching the hub (circular metal peice immediately behind the wheel) dead in the middle, if not then its held up by lugs and is therefore lug-centric!
 

smurphy80

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Does anyone know the Hub size for '02 yukon 4wd? I think this is my problem with the 20" ASA wheels I have, I believe the wheel center bore is 108mm
 

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