I just bought new wheels for my xj off Craigslist. 15x8, 5 on 4.5 lug pattern, 3" hub, perfect right? Well turns out they are a lot thicker than stock rims, or the last pair of steelies I had on there. I can only get the lug nuts to tighten about two full turns before the wheel is locked down. That's not enough right? I'm pretty sure I got at least 10 full turns with my last rims. Is it safe to drive it like that?

 

Are they aluminum? you should use a torque wrench. Pick one up from harbor freight for about $30. I believe 110 foot pounds is optimum.

 

Okay thanks, I have a torque wrench so I can test how tight they are. I'm more concerned with if the lugs will hold if they are only threaded two full turns. That's only two threads holding the wheel to the car.

 

Maybe you need a different lug nut.

 

Maybe...or maybe a different lug that's longer? Does anyone know if they make longer lugs for our xj's?

 

The zj lugs are about 1/4" longer

 

That sounds perfect. So zj lugs are the same diameter and thread, just a 1/4" longer? Guess I'm going junk yard shopping today. thanks for the tip!

 

They should only be about $2 each brand new.

 

Without at the very least a picture...

Sounds like you are trying to use an acorn steel lugnut on an old uni-lug wheel. If so, two threads will pull before you make it out of the driveway.

 

Yeah I should probably post a picture, I'll get some up here in a little bit. Yes I'm using an acorn style lug nut (stock lug nut), I'm not sure what a uni-lug wheel is. Can I just get new lug nuts that will fit the wheel better?

 

The wheels came off a 71 amx javelin

 

I agree that is sounds like you need a different style of lug nut.

 

After a google search of "uni-lug" that definitely looks like what I need. Does anyone know what the size/thread pattern for our xj lugs is?

 

Is it 1/2-20 RH? Can someone verify that?

Thanks

 

Call your local auto zone. Ask them if they have the lug nuts, it shows the thread on the screen.