wheel studs

[Just-speed]

Guys,   I have had nothing but issue with wheel studs.  Need some help.   When I got my new rims put on about a year ago at Tire Kingdom the Kid doing the install broke 3 wheel studs.  They said they wanted like $40 to replace each for me. I was like $120 is to much and I will do it myself.  So I did.  I went to Advanced and bought the Studs and Nuts.  I replaced them.  I dont have a press which is what I think you really need to seat the studs right?   I just pounded them in.  Then put a washer on each and used impact to pull them tight.  I have since then broke 4 studs.   Yesterday I went to replace three that were broke just on the driver side front.  I bought more from advance auto.  Here is the thing?  Is it me or are they cheap as heck?  Cause I did and with brand new nut two of them are already stripped and no good.     

Ok so here is where I need help?   Has anyone upgraded?   I mean does anyone know of another size you can get in that are stronger?  So the studs are 20 X7x16   I am talking about my 1/2 ton 4x4.       I was thinking about how nice it would be to go with larger wheel studs.    Anyone done this?  Is there another size that will fit?    Also anyone know where to get wheel studs that are not of the made in China type found at the parts store?         And any tips on installing the studs?  Should I really be using a press to install these?

I am really hoping there is someone you knows of an upgraded size.  Be nice to run 1/2 studs.

[VileZambonie]

You mean 7/16" x 20 right? Get them from napa or carquest. No need to change to 1/2" or you'll be opening a can of worms. Just make sure they are the correct spline and use a torque wrench to seat them. Don't try to run them in flush with the impact because that's where you'll end up damaging them. You can use the impact to draw them in but know when to stop. Torque them and recheck them periodically for a week or two.

[Just-speed]

How do you use the torgue wrench to seat them?   

[VileZambonie]

Lefty lucy right tighty. When you turn to the right set the torque wrench to 100lb-ft and it will click.

[Just-speed]

lol.........ok I quess you were talking to a child.   

Better way of putting the question.   Insert stud.  Tap down.   Install lug nut and use to wrench set at 100lbs to seat stud?  Ok I got that.  100lbs is far below what the impact will do and it still fails to seat the studs flush.  You know I'm not so much worreid about seating the studs as I am better studs.  I will give Napa a try for better studs.

[VileZambonie]

Use a spacer and lug nut with the impact to pull it in. Like I said, know when to stop. Use the torque wrench on your wheel lug nuts when you install the wheel. If you keep nailing it with the impact only to try and draw it flush it's going to screw up the stud & nut. Use some good penetrating oil too.

[79K20]

Insert stud.  Tap down.   Install lug nut and use to wrench set at 100lbs to seat stud?  Ok I got that.  100lbs is far below what the impact will do and it still fails to seat the studs flush. 

From my experience, it's definitely going to take more than 100 ft-lbs to pull the draw the stud in... Once you have tapped the stud into the hub as far as it will go, slide two large washers over the stud and then a lugnut BACKWARDS (so that the taper is facing you instead of facing the hub). Use a liberal amount of WD-40 on the washers, and then impact to draw the stud in. Turn the impact down to like 1/3 to 1/2 power so it doesn't snap the stud. Like Vile said, it doesn't need to be flush with the hub, either.

[79K20]

God Bless the internet... I just found this, maybe it will assist you.

Its for HMMWV's, but the same principal applies.

http://www.tpub.com/content/hummer/TM-9-2320-280-20-2/css/TM-9-2320-280-20-2_666.htm

[Just-speed]

Thanks dude.   Big help

[bigblock73]

I thought our studs were 1/2 x 20....

[VileZambonie]

The 1/2 ton 4x4 6 lug was 7/16

[Just-speed]

1/2 x 20 would be awesome.    I am going to put some 1/2x20 studs in. I already got them and just picked up the bit for the press this morning.