If you own a Ford Ranger, you know how important it is to attach your wheels to your vehicle securely.
You must know the correct Ford Ranger lug nut torque for your model year and wheel size. Lug nut torque is the force you apply to tighten the nuts that hold your wheels in place.
Too much or too little torque can cause damage to your wheels, brake, and suspension and even affect your driving safety. This article shows you how to find the right torque for this task.
About Lug Nut Torque
Lug nuts may seem like minor details in your vehicle, but they are crucial in keeping your wheels secure and stable.
You don’t need to be an expert on lug nuts, but you should know the basics.
This can help you to avoid any problems with your wheels that could compromise your safety and performance on the road without having any wheel stud failure.
What Is Lug Nut? Why Does Your Car Need It?
Lug nuts are special fasteners with curved or sloped ends (the seat) that can fit different shapes.
They hold the wheel firmly to the vehicle’s axle by screwing it onto threaded wheel studs.
These bolts also make sure the wheel is aligned correctly on the axle. You must slide the lug over the wheel stud and press the seat against the hub.
The lug nut torque, including the 2020 Ford Ranger lug nut torque, measures how much force is applied to secure the wheel.
It is expressed in pound-feet (lb-ft) or Newton meters (Nm) for the metric system. Higher torque means a faster and more powerful acceleration for your vehicle.
Different cars and axles require different sizes and models of lug nuts. The wheel shape also determines the right lug nut seat.
Some aftermarket wheels can use the same lugs as the original ones, but others need a new set for a proper fit.
If your lug nuts are stripped or damaged, replace them immediately to avoid trouble when removing the wheel.
Common Types Of Lug Nut
Three major lug nut seat types are conical tapered, ball radius, and flat seat. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, depending on the wheel design and the vehicle model.
Consider this factor carefully when selecting Ford Ranger wheel torque specs or any other brands. In particular:
- Conical tapered lug nuts have a cone-shaped seat that has a 60-degree taper. This type of lug nut is self-centering, meaning it aligns the wheel properly on the axle when tightened.
- Ball radius lug nuts, also known as ball seats or spherical lug nuts, have a round-shaped heart that matches the curve of the wheel hub. This type of lug nut is often used for factory wheels, especially for European cars such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen cars.
- Flat seat lug nuts have a flat or washer-shaped seat that rests on the flat surface of the wheel hub. This type of lug nut is less common than the other two, and it is usually used for custom or specialty wheels with a specific design.
What You Should Know About Car Torque
To keep your car’s tire pressure stable, you learn some essential knowledge about car torque, especially typical products like the 2019 Ford Ranger nut torque or 2006 Ford Explorer lug nut torque.
They require more flexibility from car owners, including:
- How to install and tighten the proper wheel lug nut
- How to read and select wheel lug nut torque specifications
- Cover all emergency questions about car torque and how to have a home/mobile tire change
- How to estimate car torque sizes
Ford Ranger Lug Nut Torque
Most recent Ford Ranger model years come with a 6-bolt pattern, requiring a lug nut torque of 100 lbs-ft or 135 Nm. The thread size should be M12.
When buying and experiencing Ford Ranger lug nut torque, learning how to read the wheel lug torque specifications is important.
Below are two of the most important things to consider to keep Ford Ranger tyre pressures effectively through lug nut torque.
How To Choose The Right Lug Nut Size For My Ford Ranger?
The lug nut size for a Ford Ranger depends on the model year and the wheel’s bolt pattern.
The bolt pattern is the number and arrangement of holes on the wheel hub that match the studs on the axle.
The Ford Ranger has two possible bolt patterns: 5×114.3 mm or 6×139.7 mm. The former is used for models from 1999 to 2004, while the latter is used from 2005 to 2022.
The thread size and pitch of the lug nuts also vary depending on the bolt pattern.
The thread size is the diameter of the lug nut, while the thread pitch is the distance between each thread.
For example, the 6×139.7 mm bolt pattern M12 x 1.5 mm in thread size, meaning that the lug nut has a diameter of 12 mm and a pitch of 1.5 mm.
The hex size is the width of the lug nut across the flats, and it determines what measure of wrench you need to tighten or loosen them.
The hex size for most Ford Ranger models is 19 mm, except for models from 2003 to 2011, with a hex size of 3/4 inch or 19.05 mm.
Torque & Size Chart
| Model | Bolt Pattern | Torque Spec | Thread Size | Thread Pitch | Hex Size |
| 2019 – 2022 | 6×139.7 mm | 100 lb-ft (135 Nm) | M12 | 1.5 mm | 19 mm |
| 2003 – 2011 | 6×139.7 mm | 100 lb-ft (135 Nm) | M12 | 1.75 mm | 3/4 inch |
| 1999 – 2004 | 5×114.3 mm | 100 lb-ft (135 Nm) | M12 | 1.75mm | 19 mm |
To choose the right lug nut size for your Ford Ranger, you need to know your model year and bolt pattern and match them with the corresponding thread size, pitch, and hex size.
You can also check your Ford owner’s manual or consult a mechanic for more information.
FAQs
Can I Fasten The Wheel Nut Too Much?
Yes, you can. However, over-tightening the wheel nut can cause damage to the wheel, the stud, and the hub. It can also lead to uneven braking, steering problems, and tire wear.
What Torque Should Car Wheel Nuts Be?
Torque is the twisting force applied to tighten the nuts, which varies by car model and lug nut size. For example, Tacoma lug nut torque is different from Ford Ranger.
To keep your wheels secure and balanced, you must torque your wheel nuts correctly.
Why Is A Torque Lug Nut Essential?
Torque lug nuts are essential for the safety and performance of your vehicle. They ensure the wheels are properly attached to the axle, preventing them from loosening or falling off.
Torque lug nuts also help to distribute the load evenly and reduce the stress on the wheel studs.
You can tighten the lug nuts to the correct specification using a torque wrench and avoid over-tightening or under-tightening them.
Final Thoughts
The Ford Ranger lug nut torque is an important factor in ensuring the safety and performance of your vehicle.
It would help if you always used the proper tools and techniques to tighten the lug nuts.
Don’t take risks with your Ford Ranger; follow the manufacturer’s torque spec to ensure a seamless ride!