Yes, I did search. My crankset is a truvativ elita 48/39. Im using the 39 currently but I don't like it and would rather use the 48. Would it be as simple as switiching the places of them? Is there anyway id be able to just take out the 39 altogether and use short stack bolts? Wouldn't that screw up the chainline though? I was looking at spacers to just replace the 39t but they are all in 20 packs the only ones ive seen in fives go for nearly 10 bucks shipping.

you should be able to pull off the 39 and get a little handy if you needed to and run just the 48. I cant think of any problems assosciated with doing so.

Your LBS would've sold you a set of 5 for $7.

LBS only had really thick ones

any other ideas?

short stack bolts are usually the way to go...i think that's probably a better alternative than spacers and keeping the current bolts, esp since you'll be spending about the same amount of money in either case. i don't see why there should be any problems with chainline.

i think i am just confused then. wouldn't short bolts just keep the 48t ring in the same place? i need it in the place of the 39t ring. am i missing something here?

if you want to use your current bolts you can simply swap the rings. if you get short stack bolts you can use a single ring and put the 48 where the 39 is.