measure the center of one hole to the center of the opposite hole. that measurement is the second number of the bolt pattern. the first number simply how many bolts there are. So, 5 X 5 1/2" means there are 5 bolts and the distance from one bolt hole to the opposite bolt hole is 5 1/2"

I would get a larger bolt. I would get a larger bolt. If I wanted to make a bolt fit into a larger hole, I would use a SMALLER bolt than the hole.

48 hole bolt tightening seqence

5 hole x 5.5 inch bolt circle on 1/2 ton

bolt pattern is: 4X114.3 - four hole.