PSA....change out your factory lug nuts before it is too late 31k miles

[CoronaRaptor]

 

[zemuron99]

I've been thinking the same, wanting to change out to some black lugs in place of the chrome ones. But then I ran across this thread last year: https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/broken-lug-nut-damn-it.73166/page-1.

His lugs were apparently wayyy over-torqued: "my torque wrench at 250 ft-lbs (maximum value for my wrench) and none of the nuts would turn to loosen. IOW, they required MUCH greater than 250 fl-lbs to remove (breaker bar and section of pipe and still had to get on it)." Didn't know the studs could even handle that but seems they can...

Anyone else had trouble with their Gorilla lugs breaking? Besides hand-tightening with a quality torque wrench (and not to 250+lb-ft), what's the best way to prevent this (I do use anti-seize myself on the threads when I rotate my tires, but sometimes I get lazy and have my buddy Les [as in Les Schwab] do it). I really do not want to ever have to drill out a tire stud.

 

[Ruger]

Well first off smart ass, when asked, the OP mentioned he was from St. Louis and FordTechOne was referring to Nevada.

Secondly, I used to be a snow and ice contractor. I’m willing to bet I have more knowledge about the industry and best practices by state in my pinky finger (no pun intended) than you have in your entire head.

Not about northern Nevada, you don't. My comment was about northern Nevada, not "the industry." I'm a very active reserve sheriff's deputy, and I know exactly what goes on our roads here because I've I've picked it up at the county yard and used it myself in the course of duty.

 

[The Car Stereo Company]

No; in fact the newer models are better since the lugs are solid metal instead of a cap nut.

You’ve lived in areas where there is no road salt/rust and therefore you won’t have corrosion related issues.

when did ford switch to solid lugs? op has a gen 2 and still has the caps over them. also im wondering if the lugs swelling is heat related? i had all 24 of swell on my gen 1. pretty quick. in order for the rust and corrosion to set in, i would think it would take longer than a couple months? i used a socket and hammer to remove 20 of the 24 on mine. then i took them apart and found it to be a 19mm lug with a 21mm cap. not sure why that design? i get my wheels red hot on several occasions and it seems the heat has more to do with the swelling than the corrosion? im just basing it off my specific truck though. no real data other than glowing rotors

 

[Zeusmotorworks]

when did ford switch to solid lugs? op has a gen 2 and still has the caps over them.

This... I'm pulling off the wheels next weekend to anti-seize the lug nuts (ODO only 2500). Was thinking I needed to buy new 1 piece lugs. So I don't?

My lugs always come off with an impact and go on with a torque wrench.

 

[FastEddie]

I had the black Gorilla lug nuts on my Gen 1 and after a few years they had corroded. Northern Jersey. Was not impressed.

 

[pastorwug]

Changed mine to the Gorilla Nutz as the OEM were just terrible after just 15K miles.

 

[Oldfart]

My nuts had gotten swollen in only a few years, after I got rid of my wife they returned to normal size.

 

[RaptorFun]

Oldfart...you must enjoy bringing levity to this forum by keeping us all amused!!

 

[Oldfart]

Oldfart...you must enjoy bringing levity to this forum by keeping us all amused!!

I easily amuse myself because I am very sophisticated.