Studs

[smurph20]

On my 86 K20 i have been reading where to run aluminum wheels you need longer studs on the rear? Is the true anybody else come across this if so lemme know. Since i put my new tires n wheels on iev had the left rear come loose while driving.

 

[skysurfer]

Maybe something specific to your model year but I didn't have any problems with my '89.

 

[8T6K5]

ohhh wheels... Ill leave now.

 

[skysurfer]

ohhh wheels... Ill leave now.

wait a minute...

ok, now you can go.

 

[bucket]

I don't know about the SF, but the FF studs are fine for aluminum wheels.

 

[skinny lizard]

I have a 1980 and am having a similar problem. studs are short in both axles. There stripping and or cross threading.
Looking for a alternative longer stud. Any ideas.

 

[bucket]

I have a 1980 and am having a similar problem. studs are short in both axles. There stripping and or cross threading.
Looking for a alternative longer stud. Any ideas.

Without seeing the wheels, are you running the correct type lugnuts? Most older aluminum wheels were designed to run shank style lugnuts, I'd guess because older vehicles generally had short studs. Wheels designed to use regular conical seat type lugnuts usually have a center that is thin enough to work with studs a little on the short side.

 

[skinny lizard]

The lug nuts I have came with the rims from Discount Tire. I picked up some different lugs from a parts store but still the same problem. The studs are only sticking out about 3/8 to 7/16.

 

[bucket]

The lug nuts I have came with the rims from Discount Tire. I picked up some different lugs from a parts store but still the same problem. The studs are only sticking out about 3/8 to 7/16.

From what I've found, longer studs really aren't an option in a 1/2 ton unless you drill the holes to a larger size and run studs for a different application.

 

[skinny lizard]

From what I've found, longer studs really aren't an option in a 1/2 ton unless you drill the holes to a larger size and run studs for a different application.

The guy at the parts store may have found me some that are a 1/4 in longer, he's getting them in from their other store. I'll keep you posted when I get them.

 

[bucket]

The guy at the parts store may have found me some that are a 1/4 in longer, he's getting them in from their other store. I'll keep you posted when I get them.

The biggest problem is the front. The studs go through the rotor and THEN the hub, the knurled area of the stud has be in the hub. Most studs will have the knurl right under the head of the stud, which puts it in the rotor, not the hub. So as long as you find a stud that is longer and the knurl is in the correct area, everything should be peachy.

 

[HotRodPC]

I'd have to say this depends on the wheel smurph. Surely not ALL aluminum wheels are that much thicker. Usually aluminum wheels are a little thicker than steel, but I guess some can be thicker than others. I didn't have a problem going from my Rallies to the OEM Aluminums on my 85 K1500.
I know of a guy with a K20 who went from stock steel wheels to later OEM aluminum 8 lugs wheels like off of a 2002 or 2003 and I don't recall he had a problem. His rear axle was a 14b Semi Float 9.5 in axle.

 

[smurph20]

Im thinking they were just not 100% tight. Ive checked them several times since and haven't found any loose since.