Replacing Factory Lug Nuts

[digitalredeye]

I recently purchased the Gorilla factory style acorn lug nuts that include locking lug nuts for my 2021 Wrangler Willys. I have a question regarding changing out the lug nuts. If I remove a single lug nut at a time and replace it with the Gorilla lug nut, can I do that without jacking up the Jeep and tightening up the lug nuts in the criss-cross pattern? So essentially I'm taking off a single lug nut, immediately replacing it with new lug nut and tightening it back onto the Jeep (1 by 1) until the entire wheel is done. Is that acceptable and safe?

Sponsored

 

[Buckster]

Yep, you are good to go one at a time. Since the JL has M14 studs instead of the M12s that the JK had, you need to tighten them to 130 ft/lbs.

 

[digitalredeye]

Yep, you are good to go one at a time. Since the JL has M14 studs instead of the M12s that the JK had, you need to tighten them to 130 ft/lbs.

Thanks for the info Buck. I guess now I need a torque wrench.

 

[JackA]

I replaced my 2021 JL Rubicon OE lug nuts with the same Gorilla lug nuts. I did exactly what you are asking about. There is very little additional pressure on a single torque area (lug nut) when the two adjacent are at torque. The reason you torque and release torque on opposite (sort of opposite) lugs is to reduce uneven torque tension across the wheel mounting surface. Anyway, one at a time is no problem. FOR SURE use a calibrated torque wrench.

 

[garyji]

Rick, are these the ones you got??
https://www.quadratec.com/p/gorilla...-23pc-kit-78-hex-14mm-x-1-19-jeep-wrangler-jl
Thanks,

G.

 

[digitalredeye]

Rick, are these the ones you got??
https://www.quadratec.com/p/gorilla...-23pc-kit-78-hex-14mm-x-1-19-jeep-wrangler-jl
Thanks,

G.

Yep. I bought them in black and installed them yesterday. I have a Willys with black rims and these finish the look and keep them safe.

 

[Ruby Mike]

Ok I am confused, I read that the lug nuts have the thread of 1/2-20. I am reading here that the thread is 14x1.5 mm. While these threads appear the same, they are most definitely not. The metric thread will start on the SAE thread but quickly become tight. The result is damaged threads. It is critical that the correct thread matches the lug and lug nut.

 

[garyji]

Michael, pretty sure the New JL's are 14x1.5, Metric. The older models were 1/2-20. My stock willys lug nuts are a 22mm socket.

G.

 

[digitalredeye]

Ok I am confused, I read that the lug nuts have the thread of 1/2-20. I am reading here that the thread is 14x1.5 mm. While these threads appear the same, they are most definitely not. The metric thread will start on the SAE thread but quickly become tight. The result is damaged threads. It is critical that the correct thread matches the lug and lug nut.

My manual states:
Lug Nuts - M14 x 1.5 Thread Size

And as Gary stated, you use a 22mm socket.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

130 ft/lb torque for wheel lug nuts and 59 ft/lb on the spare tire lugs.

Lugs= 14mm x 1.50 Thread


Suggest those that are looking for lug nuts to highly consider these:
Gorilla Automotive 96644BDX Black Factory Style Wheel Lock System (14mm x 1.50 Thread Size, 24-Pack)

 

[digitalredeye]

@digitalredeye

130 ft/lb torque for wheel lug nuts and 59 ft/lb on the spare tire lugs.

Lugs= 14mm x 1.50 Thread

I recommend Gorilla Wheel Locks 96644BDX (pack of 24)

I bought a torque wrench just for this. I drove about 30 miles and reconfirmed the tightness.

Also, the lugs were so tight from the factory that I slightly twisted the lug wrench that came with Jeep. I used my breaker bar for the rest of the job.

The breaker bar and 22mm socket will stay in the back of the Jeep along with the included jack.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

I bought a torque wrench just for this. I drove about 30 miles and reconfirmed the tightness.

Also, the lugs were so tight from the factory that I slightly twisted the lug wrench that came with Jeep. I used my breaker bar for the rest of the job.

The breaker bar and 22mm socket will stay in the back of the Jeep along with the included jack.

@digitalredeye

I keep a 16" breaker bar with the appropriate size socket in the JL at all times.

I have the socket attached to the breaker bar and the tool is placed in a 18" long piece of gray, foam pipe insulation. I keep this affair, in the small compartment where the scissor jack is. Fits right in on top. With the foam pipe insulation, I have no metal to metal related rattles.

I learned long ago, you can be up chitt creek so to speak, sometimes trying to break lugs loose with the little tire iron that comes with the Jeep.

Once you see someone standing on a tire iron trying to break a lug loose and the lug snaps off, etc., you realize wise man/gal carries a breaker bar with socket as I do in the vehicle at all times.

I never personally use or allow use of power tools on my lug nuts.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

Gorilla lug nuts whether you get the regular or the splined are a very good lug nut offering.

Warranty is very good on them also. IF, you ever have any problems with a Gorilla or say you need to replace a lug nut, just call Gorilla at.... Ph. 325-585-2852 and they will assist you. They are quick to send out replacements, etc..

 

[Rhinebeck01]

@digitalredeye
@others

You might be interested in this, since you are fooling with lug nuts...
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/cheap-jeep-hacks-show-em-off-here.18785/post-1238552

Actually, there are LOTS of terrific, inexpensive hacks there... do read through that thread..

Sponsored