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View Full Version : 7/16 or 1/2 wheel studs??


1965_SS
02-14-2013, 02:54 PM
When you upgrade front brakes/rotors/spindles to something like Baer or Wilwood which wheel studs do you use? Same thing for the rear. When building a new 12 bolt or 9" which do you use?

At what performance point do you make the change to 1/2?

This might be a stupid question but here it goes............can any wheel out there go on either size stud and do you just change the lug nuts?

Thanks.

Apogee
02-14-2013, 04:28 PM
Wheel stud size should be tied to the performance level of the car. If you're still rolling on tires from the late 60's or early 70's, then 7/16-20 studs are more than adequate. If you're cramming super-sticky compound ultra-high performance tires on your ride, then it's time to upgrade to M12x1.5 or 1/2-20 IMHO. Most P-T rides are also getting set up with stiffer spring rates, roll rates, lower CoG, higher HP engines, etc, so that the added traction can be put to good use, thus making larger wheel studs relatively inexpensive insurance against what could be a relatively ugly failure.

Most aftermarket wheels are designed for 60 degree conical seat lugnuts and have a .600" or larger through hole for the stud. These wheels will typically accommodate up to a 9/16" or M14 wheel stud, however M12x1.5 or 1/2-20 are typically more than adequate for most P-T builds.

Tobin
KORE3