Sierra Nevada Overland + Broken Lug Studs

[cjm41]

Over the weekend we hit Coyote Flat in the Sierras to camp at Funnel Lake (elevation 10,400 ft).

On the way up or down, I managed to break two lug studs (same wheel, next to each other). On the ride home I noticed some noise from the left rear so I pulled off the highway to check and found two lug nuts loose. When I went to tighten one it just snapped off with no effort. I went to tighten the second and it squeaked (as if the metal was about to give) so I left it alone.

Other three lugs were on there plenty right (didn’t have a torque wrench with me). Took it easy on the 200+ mile trek home.

I am running American Racing AR201 18” wheels with aftermarket lugs provided by Tire Rack.

What are my options as far as replacing the studs? Should I just replace the two and be done with it? Are there aftermarket solutions available that might be more suitable for what I’ve purchased the truck for?

I come bearing these eyeball treats in exchange for your wisdom...

 

[mm3846]

I’d say the wheels studs aren’t the problem. Are those wheels lug centric or hub centric? My first thought would be they’re lug centric, and you need hub centric rings.

 

[cjm41]

I’d say the wheels studs aren’t the problem. Are those wheels lug centric or hub centric? My first thought would be they’re lug centric, and you need hub centric rings.

They are hub centric. I wouldn’t buy wheels that aren’t, especially for such a heavy truck I’d be off-roading in. Hub centric/no spacers. I’m a bit of a purist, I guess.

 

[LB Bill]

And "no spacers"...that would've been one guess. Or..simply a problem with the initial install?..over-tightened? That's it for 'wisdom'.
Great pic's!

 

[cjm41]

And "no spacers"...that would've been one guess. Or..simply a problem with the initial install?..over-tightened? That's it for 'wisdom'.
Great pic's!

Possibly over-tightened. I’m going to contact American Racing tomorrow and pick their brains. While these wheels are not super common, they are specific enough I can’t imagine there are many applications outside of the LR3/LR4 for the bolt pattern.

For what it’s worth, the wheels took a beating. Some places have half inch deep gouges in the lip. I took a few rocks really hard.

 

[mm3846]

dang, well thats interesting for sure. My next guess would be they weren't torqued correctly.

I wouldnt go and seek some stronger or aftermarket solution.