Swollen Lug Nuts

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simple solution...toss the chrome plated factory POS lug nuts in the trash (or better yet store them in a bag to swap back on when you sell your Expy) and invest 120+ bucks in some Gorilla nuts...when you are on the side of the road trying to change a flat you'll truly appreciate them
 

rslynes

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Pretty common. Local friend with Ford Truck collection fetish has a 21.5 mm impact socket for just such a situation, unless somebody else has gobbed up the nuts too much trying to get them off.

Then it might be time for cobalt drill bits and tired arms.
 

Motorcity muscle

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If you are still trying to do this yourself, you can use a cut off wheel and cut an x in the end of the stainless cap. Then you can get a socket on there tight and even use some heat if needed.
 

Johnathan M

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I agree with the suggestion to get Gorilla nuts, except that you don’t have to use that brand. I bought splined lug nuts for my 13 Expedition after having the same issue with swollen lug nuts and I purchased these last year.

Wheel Accessories Parts Set of 24 1.90" Long Truck Small Diameter Lug Nut Closed End Bulge Acorn 7 Spline with Key (M14 x 2.0, Chrome)


So much nicer than the stock nuts and I think they look better too! Just make sure you always keep the key in your glove box so that if you need to remove the wheels, you have it with you.
 

Trainmaster

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Lots of Chinese junk out there that here on the east coast will rust in a month. Some are even very soft metal. Look for quality stuff if you don't like looking at rust.
 

Drae

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This was the result of one of my wheels getting stuck on. It was the very last wheel and lug to get off when swapping wheels. I had a problem with a few lugs on a couple wheels but managed to get them off. I ended up taking it to a tire shop and they threw the kitchen sink at it too. Ended up cutting it off because the lug basically welded itself on. So I lost a wheel stud in the process but that was it. I no longer wanted the wheels anyways.
 

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Matthew Jenkins

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Succes. I used a 22m extractor socket and a 24" breaker bar when necessary and my impact the rest of the time. Once I had the right tools it was not that hard. Haviland I'm sorry I don't know if Ford stopped using them. I little bit of a search tells me yes. Some have even taken Ford to court.
 

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Frank Wilson

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I agree with the suggestion to get Gorilla nuts, except that you don’t have to use that brand. I bought splined lug nuts for my 13 Expedition after having the same issue with swollen lug nuts and I purchased these last year.

Wheel Accessories Parts Set of 24 1.90" Long Truck Small Diameter Lug Nut Closed End Bulge Acorn 7 Spline with Key (M14 x 2.0, Chrome)


So much nicer than the stock nuts and I think they look better too! Just make sure you always keep the key in your glove box so that if you need to remove the wheels, you have it with you.
I got these same one from Bezos today. Unfortunately, I have SVT take-offs and these nuts are too small for the bevel. 1/3 too small. Now I'm back to square one. I I had a feeling my nuts are bigger, but, I didn't know how much bigger than others. 20220609_174730.jpg
 

GlennSullivan

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Couple of other suggestions to avoid this happening again.

#1 Purchase a container of anti-seize and brush a generous amount on the lugs before installing your new lug nuts. Anti-Seize

#2 When you purchase replacement lug nuts, buy the 1 piece units. The stock Ford (and most other OEMS) are 2 piece. The chrome or plated outer shell is not very strong and distorts easily when the monkeys at the tire shop or dealership hammer them with an impact for 10 seconds.

#3 When returning from the tire shop or dealership where wheels / tires have been removed, check the lugs for proper torque and see if any of the lugs were damaged. You can ask them to properly torque each wheel when reinstalling and not hammer the crap out of them with an impact, but it is doubtful that will happen, all these guys work on flat rate.

#4 Buy a lug nut breaker bar kit with the correct size socket and keep in each of your vehicles. Lug Nut Breaker Bar

#5 It is off topic for this thread but I also keep a tire repair kit and 12V air compressor in each of our vehicles.
 
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