Ford F-150 Wheel Lugs
One model or another of the Ford F-150 pickup has been on the road for decades. Whether its hauling, towing, or just giving you a ride, the wheels need to stay on. If you need a replacement for a damaged wheel lug or are choosing a whole new set, knowing which type to buy keeps you safe and rolling along.
What is the purpose of wheel lug nuts?Lug nuts are the parts that keep the wheels attached to your Ford F-150 truck. They screw onto the wheel studs that extend from the axle. The lugs, wheels, and studs must all work together. If you change the rims on your vehicle, you may need to get new lug nuts, too.
What is the bolt pattern of a Ford F-150?The bolt pattern is indicated by a set of numbers. The first number tells you how many lug nuts are on each rim. The second number tells you the diameter of the circle they form when they are mounted. For example, a late-model Ford F-150 has a bolt pattern of 6x135. This means it has six lug nuts on each wheel and they are arranged in a circle that is 135 millimeters in diameter.
Ford F-150 models that were produced before 2004 only had five lugs on each rim. They may be set in a circle of 139.7 millimeters or 135 millimeters, depending on the year.
What are locking lug nuts?The purpose of a locking lug nut is to prevent theft of your rims by putting one locking nut on each wheel. They can only be removed with a key that is specific to that set of locking nuts. While some will buy an entire set of locking nuts, it is equally common to have a single locking nut for each wheel, as this is all you need to deter removal.
What specs should you know when choosing F-150 lug nuts?- Thread size and pitch: The thread size and pitch of the lug nut must match the wheel stud. Thread size is the diameter of the studs, and the pitch is expressed as the distance between the threads in millimeters. For example, 14x1.5 indicates a stud that is 14 millimeters in diameter with threads 1.5 millimeters apart. The Ford F-150 has had four different thread patterns over the years, so check your owners manual to see which one is right for your truck.
- Seat type: The factory lug nut for the Ford F-150 usually has a conical seat. The seat is the portion of the nut that contacts the wheel. If you put different wheels on your truck, you may need a different type of nut. If you use the wrong seat type, it may seem to fit but will not be mounted securely.
- Length and diameter: If your rims have a wheel cover, you will need a short lug nut. Otherwise, you can choose longer styles that extend from the rims. The diameter that will fit depends on the characteristics of the wheel. Some rims have small holes for the lugs to fit through, and they require spline drive nuts. This narrow type has grooves along its length and requires a special, thin socket for installation and removal.