Wheel lug extenders July 29, 2016, 10:25:39 am KII wheel covers for the 8-hole (pre-2007, I think) Ford wheels require lug extenders that fit into an "acorn" nut cover and attach the wheel cover to the wheel. The threads of the extenders are prone to stripping, likely due to the differences in hardness between the wheel lug and the extender and the fact that the extender has very little "lug thread" to grip on to. I have replaced lug extenders on my 2003 several times (and keep spares), but had to re-order from KII (KaperII Wheel simulators and Led Lighting) when my spares were used! The lug extenders are not shown on the KII website; call their toll-free number, talk to John, and use product number M-5R . The extenders are $1.11 each, plus shipping; I suggest ordering several. 3 Likes
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #1 – July 29, 2016, 02:39:49 pm I got my spare lug extenders from the Mothership.
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #2 – September 20, 2016, 06:38:31 pm Quote from: JCT - July 29, 2016, 10:25:39 amThe lug extenders are not shown on the KII website; call their toll-free number, talk to John, and use product number M-5R . The extenders are $1.11 each, plus shipping; I suggest ordering several. Just ordered today from KII...M-5R (extender) $2.22/eaL-513 (jam nut combo) $5.56/eaFlat-rate shipping $6.68Quite the price hike, must've been a leak in a pipeline somewhere...I'll be using threadlocker to keep the pricey nuggets attached!
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #3 – September 20, 2016, 08:37:55 pm "I'll be using threadlocker to keep the pricey nuggets attached!"----Ray, I don't recommend "cementing" the extenders to the wheel lugs because the threads on the extenders can and do strip, and if they're locked on, it can be much more of a hassle to remove them when they need replacement or when it's inadvisable to leave the extenders on the wheel lugs when having the tires changed (wheel bearings packed, etc.). A 3/8" Allen wrench snugs (and removes) the extenders on to/off of the lugs just fine. JMHO; YMMV.
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #4 – September 20, 2016, 10:17:10 pm I got my spares from the Mothership. Forgot the price but they arrived in the mail post-haste.
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #5 – September 20, 2016, 10:26:09 pm I remember needing one that stripped years ago so unknown to me when I ordered one the M'ship sent me two. I love the M'ship.
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #6 – September 20, 2016, 11:38:06 pm Quote from: JCT - September 20, 2016, 08:37:55 pmRay, I don't recommend "cementing" the extenders to the wheel lugs because the threads on the extenders can and do stripThe extenders engage the threads, on the wheel stud, with only two or three full threads. They are very easy to strip.Over the years, just the wear from taking them off for tire changes or cleaning can make them useless.Be gentle with them and maybe keep a spare extender or two on hand.Newer LDs use a car-type hub cap, secured with spring clips. They are difficult to remove and replace and are not well liked either.Larry
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #7 – September 21, 2016, 12:04:41 pm Every time I wrestle them off, I wonder why I keep the wheel covers. Black Plasti-Dip would satisfy my esthetic senses. Who rolls without them? 1 Likes
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #8 – September 21, 2016, 01:01:04 pm Quote from: paul banbury - September 21, 2016, 12:04:41 pmEvery time I wrestle them off, I wonder why I keep the wheel covers. Black Plasti-Dip would satisfy my esthetic senses. Who rolls without them?Andy Baird does: Yahoo! GroupsChris
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #9 – September 21, 2016, 02:02:35 pm someone tried to take the front right off our MB with a lug wrench severely distorting the shape. I have removed all four simulators. When it comes time to change tires, I hope to have the wheels painted a bright silver using the color and paint codes from BMW and MINI. In a perfect world I the wheels would be powder coated. That might be easier said than done.
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #10 – September 21, 2016, 10:55:26 pm Quote from: JCT - September 20, 2016, 08:37:55 pmA 3/8" Allen wrench snugs (and removes) the extenders on to/off of the lugs just fine. Understood, threadlocker (user friendly blue flavor please) will prevent them from vibrating loose. I suspect that over time the existing, and now missing, extenders were subjected to excessive torque which resulted in deformation of the lands (mild steel) and a subsequent "loose" fitting. For disassembly, blue loctite requires very little break-away torque to disengage fittings Quote from: Larry Wade - September 20, 2016, 11:38:06 pmBe gentle with them and maybe keep a spare extender or two on hand.LarryGot it, I've ordered enough to replace those missing in addition to maintaining a couple of spares.My thanks to the both of you for the sage words of advice!
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #11 – July 13, 2024, 07:33:39 pm I know this is old but I am doing my homework on getting some new Jam nuts for my 2000 MB, the non Extender version. Previous owner lost one nut and the nut cover on the other nut... this is on one of the rear wheels. I have removed the covers for new tires and understand the thread issue. The rear studs are longer and the jam nut has plenty of threads to grab. The fronts however appear shorter and yes, not a lot of thread to grab. From Pictures and description on Kaper website and in threads here, it appears L-413 needed. Jesse at Kaper wants the rim part number of which I need to still get, the rig is at my inlaws for now.Also, Todd can sell me the extenders and new nuts and said I needed to open up the hole on the wheel simulator. I do not want to do this quite yet as the reason for my post.... If there are not enough threads, what's the difference of the nut or the extender grabbing only a few threads? Seems like the same issue for each. Now if the extender is a harder/stronger metal than the nut, maybe that's it? Or tighter tolerance. I'm half tempted to press in 2 new longer studs opposite each other in the correct clocking position to valve stem, if even available for the front rotors.. Might need new rotors anyway, my next project.When all done, I will post in a new thread what I end up getting as the last post on the L-413 nut was about 2021 on these year chassis.Ramonaka MrFixit!
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #12 – July 14, 2024, 10:21:54 am Quote from: mrfixit454 - July 13, 2024, 07:33:39 pmThe rear studs are longer and the jam nut has plenty of threads to grab. The fronts however appear shorter and yes, not a lot of thread to grab. ut and replacing then is a good idea ...if you can figIf there are not enough threads, what's the difference of the nut or the extender grabbing only a few threads? Seems like the same issue for each. Now if the extender is a harder/stronger metal than the nut, maybe that's it? Or tighter tolerance. I'm half tempted to press in 2 new longer studs opposite each other in the correct clocking position to valve stem, if even available for the front rotors.. Might need new rotors anyway, my next project.The front rotors come with the studs already installed. Rock Auto's site does not show the specs on how far the studs extend from the rotor. On the three sets of front rotors I have changed on our LD, the stud length was different on each pair. There doesn't seem to be a standard length.Pressing the two original studs out out of each hub and replacing the two with longer ones is a workable idea...if you can find longer studs with the right spline configuration. You will need a good-sized press.Good luck on your quest.Later model LDs were equipped with conventional hubcaps done in stainless steel, it may be an easier solution. Larry 1 Likes
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #13 – July 15, 2024, 07:24:05 pm Hi Ramon; This stud extender screws on over the lug. Essentailly a collar of larger diameter, so on the wheel simulator, just two of the eight has to be enlarged to go over this extender. Then you need a fake lug nut cover to match that extender large thread. The nut should cover the larger hole, and fit tight. A Jam nut is screwed down on the collar with locktite, and would support the fake lug nut cover. To remove a wheel, the extender collar has to come off, since the hole on the wheel isn't drilled out. I've only seen this once. (sorry I didn't pay better attention) To keep the extender collar from going too deep, there was an Allen set screw glued inside the collar, which also helped remove the collar when needed. So per wheel: two extender collars, two 'jam' nuts, two set screws and two larger internal diameter fake lug nuts. And a simulator cover with two larger holes for the extender collar. Extender: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/pho-pgdsf03tsx?seid=srese1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkdO0BhDxARIsANkNcrdjwwbHA7Uk60ISJcFGalb4RyZ5ZK1iTBNE6UoE9s61d6BZapSJ6IoaAjv6EALw_wcB Fake lug nut: Phoenix Jam Nut and Lug Nut Cover, 7/8 in ID x 1 5/8 in Length PGD168LNT | Zoro different styles to match the other fake nuts on the simulator Phoenix Jam Nut and Lug Nut Cover, 7/8 in ID x 1 5/8 in Length PGD168LNT | Zoro Set screw: Ok haven't found that yet. Home Depot, Ace hardware.... Allen wrench to match. RonB 1 Likes
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #14 – July 16, 2024, 03:55:33 pm Hi Ron,Thank you so much for the info, I have found the same on my searches. However my main question is... if there is not enough threads, whats the difference between using the extender or the actual nut without out it. The problem is still there, not enough threads. The non-extender lugs I have are 1-1/16 in in diameter and 1-3/16 tall. What I am finding out is 2 replacement lugs for use with extenders (if used on the front will stick out further as they are taller (1-5/8"). Not really that big of a deal, just depends on the level of OCD in me.If you are constantly taking the coves off, then maybe the extenders would be better. Or if your threads are sort of boogered. I sent a series of pix to Jesse at Kaper yesterday afternoon. He was going to go into the warehouse today and look for what I have.... either L-413 or L-195 jam nuts. Or.. something else all together. He did say based on my rim part number, I should have lug extenders but I have none on my 2000 chassis. I could always put the extenders in the rear as the height difference would be less noticeable there. Whatever the case my be, I need 2 more jam nuts of something.
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #15 – July 16, 2024, 06:43:21 pm There must be some sort of confusion about the threads on the stud extenders. While I don't have a set of the stud extenders in my hand, the stud extenders add plenty of threads for the wheel simulator fake lug nut to grip the threads. I would advise mrfixit to examine a set of properly installed wheel simulators from the early 2000's. From looking at the photos you posted, it doesn't look like you have a stud extender attached to the stud that you thread the simulator lug nut onto. The stud extender is attached to the studs *after* the lug nut has secured the wheel.I think some folksare unfamiliar with the wheel simulators ans turn the wrong lug nut caps and break off the fake lug nuts. Maybe that is what you are dealing with?Steve K 1 Likes
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #16 – July 16, 2024, 07:27:07 pm "The stud extender is attached to the studs *after* the lug nut has secured the wheel."Steve K. is absolutely correct! The 'stud extender' (only two needed) is screwed onto the stud to make it longer and thereby protrude through the simulator (wheel cover) so you can then affix the fake lug nut cap (2ea.) to secure the simulator to the wheel. 2 Likes
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #17 – July 16, 2024, 10:09:13 pm Your photo shows a short 2-3 threads exposed, which is common with this type of wheel cover.The extender can be described as a threaded bushing. The extenders inside threads only engage 2-3 threads and can easily be stripped with too much torque. Gluing the adaptors on with Loctite has already been suggested and is recommended.I now use Orange thread locker instead of Blue, Orange has the holding power of Red thread locker with Blue thread locker's ease of removal. Permatex® High Strength Removable Threadlocker Orange Gel, 5 G - PermatexIf an old adaptor is stripped, it can be repaired by grinding down the face of the adaptor, and exposing fresh threads, a disk grinder works well.Larry
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #18 – July 16, 2024, 11:45:23 pm Thanks guys, I appreciate everyone's input. I fully understand the how the extenders are installed and how they work and where they go. I am Mechanical Engineer working in Aerospace and Defense going on 35 years now and maybe this is why I am struggling, I am overthinking it as engineers tend to do.Perhaps I don't understand the intent of the extenders. Yes they make the entire stud area longer for more nut grip but if there are only 3 threads to grab (front wheels) whether it be a nut or an extender sleeve, the same issues seems to exist. If you over tighten either the nut without sleeve or nut with sleeve, the 3 threads can strip off. Now with an Allen wrench, you might not have as much torque on the sleeve as opposed to cranking on a non sleeved nut with a tire iron or breaker bar so they might be some benefit there unless you really torque the nut too hard as stated. In any case, the extender would appear to prolong the integrity of the stud, In my case I need new rotors so I should have good threads however minimal they are. I did hear back from Kaper today. For my model year, with no extenders, the Jam nut is L-413 as I suspected and was reported by another member back in 2021. If I have the extenders, the nut is an L-513. I gave him my Rim Pictures/part numbers and he came back with .... Accuride P/N 29398 and its alternate catalogue crossover of P/N 29579 and matches up with the Wheel Simulator set he says I have that is SS-29579ULT, thus the 2 "L" part numbers for Jam nuts above. I am going to buy (4) L-413, 2 spares and might buy a pair L-513 with the extenders so I can play around with the extenders. I am still going to research getting 2 longer studs for each rotor when I buy my new set and potentially have them pressed out and in, if such studs exist.All this talk just to make our Wheels look pretty! We are doing our shakedown cruise end of the month. Looking forward to it. I have a new skylight cover to install that I got from Todd in addition to getting that last wheel cover on . The wife and my mother-in-law are throwing on new wall paper in the Kitchen and bathroom. So far is looks much better. They say even though its year 2000, the paper design was from the 80s.. I told them Ed probably bought a ton of it and just kept moving it along.All my photos regarding this.......Lazy Daze Wheel Simulators - Google PhotosRamon 2 Likes
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #19 – July 17, 2024, 01:18:42 am Quote from: Steve K. - July 16, 2024, 06:43:21 pmI think some folksare unfamiliar with the wheel simulators ans turn the wrong lug nut caps and break off the fake lug nuts. Maybe that is what you are dealing with?Steve KSteve, I bought the motorhome with one rear simulator not installed as PO lost 1 of the Lugnuts and the other was nut only, no chrome so been trying to get 2 new of the correct nuts. I removed one of the front nuts to photograph for Kaper as it was easier to take off as I was in a hurry.Ramon 1 Likes
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #20 – July 17, 2024, 01:21:28 am Quote from: Larry W - July 16, 2024, 10:09:13 pmI now use Orange thread locker instead of Blue, Orange has the holding power of Red thread locker with Blue thread locker's ease of removal. Permatex® High Strength Removable Threadlocker Orange Gel, 5 G - PermatexLarryLarry, never seen the orange, thank you. Perhaps my rig came with the extenders and someone left them off over the 24 year run. Anything is possible at this point. If I get a L-513 with extender to test with and it fits without enlarging the hole, them maybe that is the clue. As seen in my front wheel pix, the lug hole is already quite large anyway. Never knew it said torque to 140 until I took that pix!Ramon
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #21 – July 21, 2024, 06:02:16 pm Quote from: mrfixit454 - July 16, 2024, 11:45:23 pmI am Mechanical Engineer working in Aerospace and Defense going on 35 years now and maybe this is why I am struggling, I am overthinking it as engineers tend to do.Perhaps I don't understand the intent of the extenders. Yes, they make the entire stud area longer for more nut grip but if there are only 3 threads to grab (front wheels) whether it be a nut or an extender sleeve, the same issues seem to exist. If you over tighten either the nut without sleeve or nut with sleeve, the 3 threads can strip off. I had problems being happy with the extender's three-thread issue when first dealing with the wheel covers but that’s how they work and there doesn’t appear to be a better way beyond gluing the extenders on with a drop of thread locker.The wheel covers are decorative and the chrome lug nuts carry little load, they hold the wheel covers in place and do not need much torque. just snugging the nuts is all that’s needed. The wheel covers are a tight fit and need little to hold them in place. The extenders are a softer metal and will strip the first two or three threads if overtightened, that’s why I included a way to repair the extenders instead of replacing them. In some cases, the extender cannot be repaired and.need a replacementGood luck with the shakedown cruise, spending a night or two with the rig at home is a convenient way to see what you have forgotten.Larry
Re: Wheel lug extenders Reply #22 – July 23, 2024, 12:48:54 am Quote from: Larry W - July 21, 2024, 06:02:16 pmI had problems being happy with the extender's three-thread issue when first dealing with the wheel covers but that’s how they work and there doesn’t appear to be a better way beyond gluing the extenders on with a drop of thread locker.Good luck with the shakedown cruise, spending a night or two with the rig at home is a convenient way to see what you have forgotten.LarryLarry,Glad you were not happy with thread issue either. Great idea on grinding down the extender if the threads get stripped. I see they are pretty long as when we got home from vacation (timeshare) I had four L-413 and four L-513 with extenders waiting for me from Kaper. I'll post more details when we get set up at Guojome on Thursday. I have enough spares now to see which works best. I like your idea of camping in the MH at home before a trip. My issue is I have not sold my truck camper yet so my RV access is occupied. MH is at inlaws for now. We should be in decent shape as we emptied the camper contents onto the living room floor a few weeks ago and have put most of it back in the MH. Not sure if I mentioned but the MH came fully stocked so we will keep the best of each set.Ramon 1 Likes
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