Lug Nuts
 

I am putting 5/8" studs in the rear axles, they currently have 7/16 and I can see some issues with them, my Centerline's, have a 60 degree conical seat. What do you all use for lug nuts, shank type or the conical seat type. Would have to enlarge the holes in the rim if I went with shaft lugs.

Randy Wells
I/S 5628

Re: Lug Nuts
 

Randy, measure the wheel lug nut hole because it may already be 5/8.

Re: Lug Nuts
 

Larry, the holes are .562 or 9/16. I am thinking of just going with the 1/2" studs don't think this I/Stick car needs 5/8" we had 5/8 on our 67 D/Stick car, thought I would put them on this car but don't really want to drill the wheel holes. May have to ream them a little for 1/2" shank lug nuts.

Randy Wells
I/S 5628

Randy

Re: Lug Nuts
 

Something that hardly ever seems to get mentioned about the typical 5/8" wheel drive studs that a lot of us use is that the shoulder that fit's into and locates the wheel is actually 11/16" in diameter. This is the same diameter as the shank on a standard 7/16" or 1/2" threaded straight shank lug nut made for racing wheels. The 5/8" part of the stud is just the thread size. So if you want to use 5/8" drive studs, the holes in the wheels need to be 11/16" diameter. If the wheel is made for use with conical lug nuts it may not work with the 5/8" studs unless it's drilled out and has enough material left to bear on the stud without deforming under hard acceleration.

Re: Lug Nuts
 

That is why I am going to go with 1/2" studs, don't want to drill the wheels. Thanks Jack

Randy Wells
I/S 5628

Re: Lug Nuts
 

Something to think about, cost of 5/8 studs vs repair cost and body work.

When I broke my 1/2 studs it ruined a 71 Cuda bumper, painted Grill, and a gilled fender. The grill was just north of two grand.

Re: Lug Nuts
 

We sheared a wheel with 1/2" studs like Larry did but were lucky and no damage to the body. I would drill wheels and put 5/8" studs if I were you.

Re: Lug Nuts
 

If you run the 1/2 inch please note that you’ll need to bring extra studs (or be fortunate enough to be racing with Mike McMahon since he’s carrying extras even though he doesn’t use them anymore, ask me how I know). Matt Rover spotted my broken studs and that’s on a SS/MA car, turns out I was about to make a run with two broken studs, which of course would have been a very costly mistake.

Re: Lug Nuts
 

I always insist on 5/8" stuff for anything more exotic than an 11 second street car.

Radial tires, manual transmissions, better track prep...

It's a one time expense that's not a large $$ figure vs. what happens when you shear the small studs.

Re: Lug Nuts
 

You guys are making me nervous. 10.0 car with trans brake and 1/2 studs for 8 years

Re: Lug Nuts
 

I think most stud breakage is due to inadequate clamping force .ie lug torque.. Plenty of fast cars on 1/2" studs for years.

Re: Lug Nuts
 

Well between Larry and my Brother Bob and the stories, looks like I will go with 5/8". Looks like plenty of meat on the wheel to drill out for Lug Nuts.,

Re: Lug Nuts
 

If you DO drill the wheels, wait til you get the studs. Now you are potentially looking at drilling and taping the axles,and front hubs also. On top of that, I am not aware of any sleeves made to go around the stud to sit between the wheel and stud. Just the larger nut and exterior washer. Most of the wheels I have had my hands on slip right over the "5/8" stud fairly tight tolerance. only had one a tad sloppy. Then just a half inch spacer and torque em at 85.

Re: Lug Nuts
 

Strange lists 130lb. for torque. Even my 1/2" fronts go 90lbs.

Re: Lug Nuts
 

I bent a set of 1/2" grade 8 on a mid to high 11 sec. car. I use steel wheels with aluminum drums (they might squirm more than steel or iron drums; don't know) and now run grade 8 bolts in 5/8". I don't torque over 120 ft lb with lubed threads; check what torque your wheels can stand.

Re: Lug Nuts
 

Good decision, REMEMBER, ....it’s cheaper to buy the BEST parts first.....

Re: Lug Nuts
 

I know how you know. Jim


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