Towing with missing lugnut
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Alaska
Towing with missing lugnut
This is my first post. I couldn't find any information on the question, so I figured I would put it to your collective minds..
After getting tires changed on a new to me 04 F250 SRW, one of the rear wheel studs ended up stripped. I won't be able to replace it for while. Now in the meantime, I need to tow an 11000lb fifth wheel about 300 miles.
Seeing as the wheels are hub-centric, would there be a problem towing with 7 instead of 8?
After getting tires changed on a new to me 04 F250 SRW, one of the rear wheel studs ended up stripped. I won't be able to replace it for while. Now in the meantime, I need to tow an 11000lb fifth wheel about 300 miles.
Seeing as the wheels are hub-centric, would there be a problem towing with 7 instead of 8?
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 576
Likes: 6
From: midland, Ontario
Shouldn't be. That being said I wouldn't do it. Get the lugnut changed asap and dont drive without all lugs present and torqued.
I have lost dual wheels twice before and destroyed a car rim from loose nuts. Do not take this issue lightly. It can get very expensive very fast. And very dangerouse if you lose a wheel at speed.
I have lost dual wheels twice before and destroyed a car rim from loose nuts. Do not take this issue lightly. It can get very expensive very fast. And very dangerouse if you lose a wheel at speed.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Alaska
Thanks for the response. That's my line of thinking as well. It's not ideal, the stud will be replaced once I get back home.
I lost a rear wheel on a 94 250 while towing a few years back due to loose lug nuts, which is why the '94 has a 3.55 in the back and 4.10 upfront. I'm certain that there is some sort of irreversible psychological trauma that happens when you look in the side mirror and see your wheel rapidly putting distance between itself and the truck.
I lost a rear wheel on a 94 250 while towing a few years back due to loose lug nuts, which is why the '94 has a 3.55 in the back and 4.10 upfront. I'm certain that there is some sort of irreversible psychological trauma that happens when you look in the side mirror and see your wheel rapidly putting distance between itself and the truck.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Alaska
Do you know if it can be done without removing the axle? Everything I've read makes it seem more involved than just pulling the wheel and hammering them out. I'm about 500 miles from home and would rather avoid doing anything major until I get back to my garage (if I can help it).
Cargo Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,152
Likes: 4
this reminds me of when i was towing my rail buggy (tow bar, all 4 buggy wheels on the ground behind my excursion) and the shop i just picked it up from didn't tighten the lugs down good on the drivers rear wheel. it flew off while going like 45mph, and its a 31" x 15ish i think tire (fat rear tires) and it rolled right down a busy 1 way street against traffic and through a red light. it didn't hit anything except the Churches chicken building that stopped it from rolling further lol. luckily no one got hurt.
moral of the story like others said, lug nuts are nothing to mess around with haha
moral of the story like others said, lug nuts are nothing to mess around with haha
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 738
From: Isanti, MN
Looks like the factory shop manual calls for the removal of the hub. I've never done one of these, so not sure if there's a way to cheat. I've attached the relevant pages from the shop manual, good luck!
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 10,101
Likes: 40
From: Pa
Yes you have to pull the hub to press the old stud out and press the new one in. You'll need the special socket and a new seal as well. The axle shaft will have to be pulled (not hard) to remove the hub so you will want to replace the o-ring on that too before reinstalling it.(cheap insurance) You also need a torque wrench. And of course you'll need a ball joint press or shop press to R&R the stud. It is not a difficult job, just needs some tools, time and care.
If the other 7 studs are in good shape I am sure you will make the trip no problem. Just keep the speed reasonable.
If the other 7 studs are in good shape I am sure you will make the trip no problem. Just keep the speed reasonable.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 1
From: Lake Stevens, Washington
This is my first post. I couldn't find any information on the question, so I figured I would put it to your collective minds..
After getting tires changed on a new to me 04 F250 SRW, one of the rear wheel studs ended up stripped. I won't be able to replace it for while. Now in the meantime, I need to tow an 11000lb fifth wheel about 300 miles.
Seeing as the wheels are hub-centric, would there be a problem towing with 7 instead of 8?
After getting tires changed on a new to me 04 F250 SRW, one of the rear wheel studs ended up stripped. I won't be able to replace it for while. Now in the meantime, I need to tow an 11000lb fifth wheel about 300 miles.
Seeing as the wheels are hub-centric, would there be a problem towing with 7 instead of 8?
Would I do it, yes I would 300 miles is not far. You do have 8 lugs, just make sure you torque them all down. However; I think I would also just get it changed out and not take the chance, I mean whats the rush? If you gonna risk pulling a 11k trailer you might as well just get stud out and put new on in. I have done crazier stuff though so I would do it but I wouldn't recommend it. I just know it can be done it is just chance your taking. Again, you are still running 7 lugs torqued down so I don't know why it would be a issue, hub centric is certainly better than lug centric and with that being the case much safer with just one missing.
I know I might be contradicting myself here but like I said if I were to do it yes to recommend you probably not.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
Look at the positives and negatives of driving without all the lug nuts.
Positives,- None
Negatives,- if something happens,- Insurance won't pay and you probably will have to pay a lot more in the future for them.
Jail time (more if someone gets hurt, less if not but you'll be in big trouble) for endangering others and all the problems that come with it. there will be a whole bunch of charges they hit you with.
Those two alone should tell you what to do before getting on the road. Be safe it's not worth the risk.
Positives,- None
Negatives,- if something happens,- Insurance won't pay and you probably will have to pay a lot more in the future for them.
Jail time (more if someone gets hurt, less if not but you'll be in big trouble) for endangering others and all the problems that come with it. there will be a whole bunch of charges they hit you with.
Those two alone should tell you what to do before getting on the road. Be safe it's not worth the risk.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 147
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Recommend it? No. Would I do it? Probably.
Stud removal and replace is not hard. Just takes a little time.
My old boss man had a Dodge that he'd drive to tow all our heavy equipment. Gradall boomlift, forklifts, trenchers, back hoes etc... He was missing two lug nuts on passenger front. 1 on passenger rear. 2 on driver rear. Tows 28'-40' goosenecks with equipment regularly. All over South GA and North Florida.
So yea it can be done. But God forbid something goes wrong, you're the only one to blame. Can't blame it on equipment or anything else.
Stud removal and replace is not hard. Just takes a little time.
My old boss man had a Dodge that he'd drive to tow all our heavy equipment. Gradall boomlift, forklifts, trenchers, back hoes etc... He was missing two lug nuts on passenger front. 1 on passenger rear. 2 on driver rear. Tows 28'-40' goosenecks with equipment regularly. All over South GA and North Florida.
So yea it can be done. But God forbid something goes wrong, you're the only one to blame. Can't blame it on equipment or anything else.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Alaska
I ended up driving it back last night. I picked the truck up from the Slope and drove it down. It would have been about 200 miles out of my way to get to the stud and a mechanic. No issues. Just like most everyone else on here, I did it, but wouldn't recommend it. Anyway, I'm armed with a new stud and lug nut, wheel & hub coming off tomorrow.
....now to figure out why the fuel gauge is temperamental.
Thanks for all the input!
....now to figure out why the fuel gauge is temperamental.
Thanks for all the input!
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11,273
Likes: 99
From: North Dakota
Sometimes you can get lucky and can get the studs out and new ones in with out removing the hub. It's hit and miss though. I've pulled a lot of studs in with a lug nut and a impact. But you need to have a big nut that the knurls on the stud fit inside easily, and some flat washers. Put the stud in, the big nut, than two or three flat washers, than the lug nut. If it's a tapered lug nut, put the flat side against the washers. If it's a stock ford style with the flat side run that against the washers. Use plenty of oil on the stud, washers, and lug nut. And run it in tell it's fully seated. But I'd recommend having a new lug nut to use after that. Don't use the nut you use to pull the stud in.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
landscapeguy
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
15
Jun 10, 2016 08:03 AM
jmadsen
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
17
Feb 9, 2014 10:07 PM
00v10power
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
5
Mar 8, 2010 09:51 PM