Lug nuts

[CometKat]

I hope this is not too dumb a question. But is there any difference in the lug nuts for a 05-08 steel wheel vs. an alloy (quality or otherwise)? I see lots of OEM alloy wheels for sale without the nuts.

[lsocoee]

Seems like a good question to me. I probably wouldn't have asked, but I could see there might be a difference.

[zmtnbik]

There is a difference between stock steel wheels and alloy wheels.
Steelies are acorn shaped:


Alloys are short shank design:

[CometKat]

Originally Posted by zmtnbik

There is a difference between stock steel wheels and alloy wheels.
Steelies are acorn shaped:


Alloys are short shank design:

Does that mean they are not interchangeable?

[zmtnbik]

Originally Posted by CometKat

Does that mean they are not interchangeable?

That is correct, not interchangeable.

[ChibbMD]

Yep, this is correct. They are not interchangeable. I found this out first-hand when I upgraded my stock steel wheels for alloys. I was able to find a dealership that had some used take-offs but they still cost me $5 or $6 a piece. Ouch!

[yak]

I just changed my 08 stock steel wheel with 07 TRD sport wheel, and it seems OK. Did i do something wrong?

[mikedaz]

I found this out too when I up graded to alloys. You need to get the shank style lug nuts. I bought them at the dealer for $2.50 each. $60. total for 24 lug nuts.

[yak]

mikedaz ans chibb, How are they not work? Do they not fit? Again, cause I did mine, and seeems to work. Make me worry now..

[CometKat]

Alright, so here is another obscure question. Is the OEM spare the same for the alloy equipped Tacoma and the steel wheel equipped Tacoma or is it different to accommodate the different type of lug nuts?

[CometKat]

Let me try another question. For those of you who have the factory TRD off-road wheels do you have a steel rim for a spare or another factory alloy? I know some of the 4runners actually have another aluminum wheel as a spare.

[Toy4Life]

CometKat, not only is this not a dumb question, but I'm gonna rep you for asking it. I dunno about the 2nd gen trucks, but my 02 TRD had 4 alloys and a steel spare. I've never used the spare, but I have to assume that the shank lug nuts from the alloys also worked with the steel spare. Well, now, I have aftermarket steel wheels with acorn lug nuts. I sold my stock alloys and the original lug nuts with them. Your question has brought to my attention the possibillity that the new lug nuts won't work with my old spare.

[joedirt]

My 05 has a steel spare. I am going to assume that if I get a flat and need to put the steel one on, the alloy nuts that I have WILL tighten up the steel wheel. I didn't get 6 extra lugnuts when I bought my truck. Or maybe I was supposed to?

[CometKat]

Originally Posted by yak

mikedaz ans chibb, How are they not work? Do they not fit? Again, cause I did mine, and seeems to work. Make me worry now..

After installing my new TRD off-road wheels using the proper alloy nuts, I don’t think using the nuts off the steel wheel would be a good idea. The alloy wheels are not going to fall off the truck but the interface of the acorn nut to the alloy wheel is not correct.

[m&m1951]

I am in the same position looking for some chrome lugs to use on new factory alloys I have coming. Does anyone know if the shouldered Toyota chrome lug is vehicle or wheel specific--or do they fit most wheels and vehicles. I see generic lugs for Toyota/Lexus on ebay, but do not know if they will work with the alloy wheels I have coming. Size wise they are correct--1.5x12mm.

[Chuy]

My 07 4X4 Taco has alloy 17-inch OEM alloy wheels with shank-style lugs. However, my OEM spare is a steelie wheel with acorn-style holes. A close inspection of the shank-style OEM lugs reveals an acorn cut on the lug ends, but only a paltry 1/8" contact surface. In other words they will hold the spare for a temp period.

Some alloy wheels are set up for acorn-style lugs; so, you have to take a close look at the wheel lug cut-outs. If you see a 45 degree angle, they will be set up for acorns. A flat surface (as if someone drilled a hole right through) will require shank-style lugs. The shank length must not be longer than the thickness of the wheel where the lug goes through; otherwise, the lug will contact the rotor/wheel surface without gripping the wheel.

[mltitlntd]

wondering is anyone knows where to get lugs for alloys for my Taco outside of Toyota. Hate to pay $60 for them. Perhaps someone has the specs?

Thanks!

S~

[mltitlntd]

Based on the posts in this thread, I feel I should be running the "short shank" lug nuts on the alloys that came with the SR5 package on my 99 Tacoma 4WD. However, the truck currently has the acorn type. It appears that the wheels are made to accommodate these type nuts, but I suppose it is possible that the wedge-shaped nuts wallowed out the wheel. I am not the original owner of this truck, but I have never had any trouble with it. I have included a couple of photos showing a lug nut, the wheels and the lug area of the wheel. I would appreciate any knowledgeable input.

Thanks in advance!