Chevy Colorados are massive vehicles with a dominant stance, but some drivers want more. If you are one of those drivers, and you want your Chevy Colorado to look even more aggressive and menacing, you are probably thinking of installing wheel spacers or other wheel modifications.
To do that, you need to understand the Chevy bolt pattern, because this pattern determines which wheel spacers and other modifications you can install on your Chevy Colorado. Here is what you should know:
Chevy Colorado Lug Pattern Guide
The exact bolt pattern for your Chevy Colorado depends on its generation. So far, there have been three Chevy Colorado generations. In this table, you can take a closer look at these generations’ specs, including lug pattern, bolt pattern size, and some other useful info:
| Generation | Model Years | Lug Pattern | Bolt Pattern Size | Lug Nut Thread | Center Bore |
| 1st Gen | 2004–2011 | 6-lug | 6×139.7 mm (6×5.5") | M12×1.5 | 66.9 mm |
| 2nd Gen | 2011–2023 | 6-lug | 6×120 mm (6×4.72") | M12×1.5 | 66.9 mm |
| 3rd Gen | 2023–Present | 6-lug | 6×139.7 mm (6×5.5") | M12×1.5 | 66.9 mm |
Lug Nut Size and Torque
Chevy Colorado trucks of all generations use M12×1.5 lug nuts. The recommended torque ranges between 80 and 100 lbs, depending on the wheel material. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s manual, just in case. There, you will find the recommended torque, and maybe even the lug nut size.
Tips for Fitting Wheels on Your Chevy Colorado
After learning more about the Chevy bolt pattern, there are some other tips for fitting wheels on your Chevy Colorado. By following these steps, you will ensure a proper fit and increased safety for your truck:
1. Know Your Objective
Decide what you want to achieve with wheel fittments. Do you want to focus on aesthetics, such as a wider stance? Or do you want a more functional performance, such as improved stability? Use this as a guide to your choice in wheel size, offset, and design.
2. Prioritize Hub-Centric Fitment
Hub-centric wheels are the best choice for your Chevy. With this fitment, the wheel’s center bore perfectly fits the hub. This minimizes vibration and ensures tighter alignment. However, if the bore is oversized, use durable centering rings to ensure a precise fit.
3. Mind Offsets and Clearance
For the second Chevy Colorado generation, wheel offsets typically range from -12 mm to +40 mm. Some newer trims may go from +18 mm to +45 mm. Lower offsets push the wheel outward for better off-road handling, while higher offsets keep wheels tucked in for daily driving ease.
4. Always Confirm Compatibility
Double-check that any new wheels or spacers match your truck’s lug pattern, lug nut thread, center bore, and offset. Any mismatches can lead to unsafe driving conditions, and that’s something you want to avoid at all costs.
Summary: Which Bolt Pattern Should Chevy Colorados Use?
- The first-generation Chevy Colorado uses a 6×139.7 mm bolt pattern, with a center bore of about 66.9 mm and lug nuts that are most commonly threaded at M12×1.5.
- The second generation switched to a 6×120 mm bolt pattern, making it unique compared to the earlier design.
- With the launch of the third generation in 2023, the truck returned to the 6×139.7 mm bolt pattern, aligning it again with other Chevrolet trucks.
Pay close attention to these specifications when choosing aftermarket wheels, spacers, or replacement parts, ensuring both compatibility and safety.
Of course, try not to overtorque or undertorque your wheels. Undertorquing them can make your wheels too loose, which can pose a serious safety risk. Overtorquing your wheels can put too much strain on the studs, which can again result in your wheels falling off mid-ride.
How To Choose The Best Wheel Spacers For Chevy Colorado
Choosing the right wheel spacer for your Chevy Colorado starts with understanding how you plan to drive this truck. Daily driving, off-roading, or style upgrades each demand different wheel sizes and offsets. That’s why your goals should guide your decisions. Once you know this, it’s time to match the technical specification.
Regardless of whether you're buying new wheels, spacers, or adapters, always double-check:
- Bolt pattern - make sure it matches your Chevy’s bolt pattern, 6x139.7 or 6×120 mm
- Lug nut thread - it should be M12x1.5, so make sure to check if your bew wheels or spacers match this specification.
- Offset and center bore - all three generations of Chevy Clorado trucks use a 66.9 mm center bore
Why You Should Use Wheel Spacers on Your Chevy Colorado
Wheel spacers can be a practical upgrade for Chevy Colorado owners who want both improved performance and a more aggressive stance.
By creating additional space between the wheel and the hub, spacers allow you to push the wheels outward. This will widen your truck’s stance and enhance its stability during cornering and off-road driving.
Wheel spacers are also useful when fitting aftermarket wheels that may not have the perfect offset for your Colorado. Instead of limiting your options, spacers ensure proper clearance between the wheels, suspension components, and brake calipers. They can also reduce the risk of rubbing when using larger tires. This makes them especially useful for off-road driving.
Best Wheel Spacers for Chevy Colorado
Now that you know everything about the Chevy bolt pattern, you can move on to buying your first wheel spacers. Here is our top recommendation:
OMT 6x5.5 Wheel Spacers 1.5in.
This Orion Motor Tech wheel spacer kit adds 3 inches to your axle track and boosts stability, handling, and control. It is built from T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with corrosion-resistant bolts and a user-friendly design.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Chevy Colorado comes down to knowing the correct Chevy bolt pattern, lug nut size, and other fitment details.
In short, Chevy Colorado bolt pattern specs vary by generation, with the first and third generation using 6×139.7 mm, and the second generation using 6×120 mm bolt pattern. Make sure to check which generation your Chevy belongs to before making any purchases and wheel modifications!
For a Ford 150, consider this complete F150 lug pattern guide
