[Si2RS]

So I've been running Project Kics R40 Iconix since April 2017 with my TE37s. These are open ended, but I've had plastic caps on them from the beginning. Well... at least on most of them. Apparently, over the years some of these caps have gone missing, most likely having fallen out. So 28K miles later, and my studs look like this:

Not a fan of the rust... I'm probably going to hit them with a wire brush wheel drill attachment to get the rust off. Being in SoCal, I wouldn't think rust would be a problem. I don't even drive my RS in the rain. The only water she sees is when I wash her. I'm thinking the water is still getting past the threads between the plastic caps and the top of the lugnut (probably because I also use a pressure washer). So I'm contemplating getting another set and using teflon tape, or some sort of thread sealant on the cap threads, since I never intend to remove them anyways. Hopefully, that will keep the moisture out as much as a completely closed design would.

QUESTION: Would it be safe to use a wire brush wheel to clean this rust off the stud threads? Or should I go with a more "chemical" approach like baking soda or white vinegar?

PS. I know some of you may be thinking, why not go with a closed design lugnut? I prefer the floating/rotating seat design for my TE37s. The only closed ones I could find that "meet" this criteria are the McGards spline ones, but for some reason the locks don't have the rotating seats...

 

[nicklulu]

I used to have Project Kicks Neo Chromes on my Evo IX.

I can't use the caps I had because I have ARP extended studs, and I hated the rust.

I used the nylon wire brush and someone suggested to use diaelectric greese to avoid the rust in the future......... or was it anti-seize. 🤔

 

[VaderRS]

Guys be super careful with aftermarket lugs. People keep mentioning this in the thread but everyone ignores. Our stock wheels need a lug with a pretty large seat. Many aftermarket lugs have a seat half the size. Here is a comparison with the popular mutekis. I finally found some gorillas with the stock seat size. These are the aluminum version, not cheap but better to be safe.

I have the acorn bulge gorilla lug nuts, looking to get some 15 mm spacers. What lug nuts do you recommend? Thanks.

 

[Focus112]

I have the acorn bulge gorilla lug nuts, looking to get some 15 mm spacers. What lug nuts do you recommend? Thanks.

You don't need different lugs if you have spacers. If you have determined the lugs are safe without spacers, then you should you be fine.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[nicklulu]

You don't need different lugs if you have spacers. If you have determined the lugs are safe without spacers, then you should you be fine.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

I think its what type of wheels you have that dictates the lugnuts you get, not whether or not you have spacers right?

 

[Focus112]

I think its what type of wheels you have that dictates the lugnuts you get, not whether or not you have spacers right?

Correct, stock needs a large seat

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[nicklulu]

Could you maybe tell us what the difference is between acorn and acorn buldge? I was looking at the rally sport direct website and all I could find is the acorn version. Wouldn’t mind just getting the ones from your link but I’m not too sure about buying them from Amazon as someone mentioned earlier in this thread about bad quality eBay parts. (Yes I know amazon is different lol)

Researching this now:

Google Search

Acorn bulge nuts provide over 6% more seating surface area than a standard acorn lug nut.Bulge lug nuts can be used in all applications that require an acorn lug nut.

 

[GC6 Dealer]

Just wanted to say that I've been using McGard for about 8 years on my Subaru and 3 on my Focus RS. They still work and look great. My Subie has gold and my RS has a obsidian color which looks really good with my Neuspeed black wheels. Only got and old picture of stock wheels atm.
My ford OEM ones lasted a whole month before they broke. Yeah one month after delivery. Instead of getting the dealer to replace them and have them break again I went with aftermarket. Funny thing is that my OEM Subaru lug nuts still work and look good after 20 years. Ford went cheap on some stuff to cut cost for sure.

 

[gbassrace]

Agree! Starting to have probs with mine. I will go McGard black 19mm closed with security lug.

 

[nicklulu]

Good low cost option.

View attachment 342916

View attachment 342917

Amazon.com: DPAccessories LCB3B6HE-BK04020 20 Black 12x1.5 Closed End Bulge Acorn Lug Nuts - Cone Seat - 19mm Hex : Automotive

Buy DPAccessories LCB3B6HE-BK04020 20 Black 12x1.5 Closed End Bulge Acorn Lug Nuts - Cone Seat - 19mm Hex: Lug Nuts - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

I got the lugnut and locks as a late birthday gift:

Along with a thin wall, sleeved deep impact sockets

 

[gbassrace]

Look great! Plz send pix on your car.

 

[nicklulu]

Look great! Plz send pix on your car.

Will do

 

[nicklulu]

I was told in another forum that the OE is 28 mm and this one is 22 mm, too small mating surface.

OK, I took of one of the OE lugnuts off and mounted one of the new ones:

Thread and cone is fine.

I then took a photo of it closer:

I noticed that the lugnut is not 100% flush with the wheel. I used a small pick to verify. The side of the lugnut has some part on the acorn that does not touch the wheel.

I then checked aftermarket one:

This one sits flush on the acorn side of the lugnut and no dip or gap.

I then took them off and put them side by side:

The 28 mm measurement on the OE one is is from the over-all diameter, including the sleeve. the 22 mm measurement on the after market one is also measured on the over all diameter.

I then measured the actual mating surface of the OE lugnut:

A little over 7 mm

The aftermarket one:

Is at 7 mm. I feel more confident now.I did check the manufacturer site and the amazon postings and several other ford owners already used this one.

My nephew made a good choice.

 

[gbassrace]

Well that's good. These are the McGard nuts? The smaller diameter at the mating surface would change the overall mating surface area. So you are verifying same as OE?

 

[nicklulu]

Well that's good. These are the McGard nuts? The smaller diameter at the mating surface would change the overall mating surface area. So you are verifying same as OE?

Not McGards but these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JNEBMCE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

@cosmic charlie recommended it and I got it for a late bday gift.

Driven Product Accessories makes them along with Gorilla.

Verified:

• not all the acorn area on the OE lugnuts touches the wheel.
• comparing the 28 mm overall diameter to after market lugnuts does not mean comparing the actual surface that mates with the wheel.
• This particular lugnut has a very close mating surface as OE (less than 0.5 mm).

 

[gbassrace]

Cool....

 

[nicklulu]

@GmpaJimj I think I just found you at CJPP:

Gorilla Lug Nut Kit Small Diameter Fiesta ST 2014-2019/Focus ST 2013-2018/Focus RS 2016-2018

Gorilla Small Diameter Lug Nut Kit for 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 Fiesta STs, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 Focus STs and 2016, 2017 and 2018 Focus RSs.

www.cjponyparts.com

How is it holding up?

 

[nicklulu]

Ah, got it! Do you by chance know what the equivalent part number of those in closed style is? No problem if you don't off the top of your head, I can dig through their site

Found the closed end ones (Forge Steel):

Black: https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Auto...ged/dp/B00SF8F5T0/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=45138bc-20&qid=1601019481&sr=8-3

Chrome: 45138-20
Prism light: 45138PL-20
Yellow Zinc: 45138YZ-20

 

[DannyboyRFC2]

I'm definitely going to swap them for these

https://www.amazon.com/DPAccessories-D3116-HT-2305-20-Chrome-12x1-5/dp/B00H1IBKIK/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=lug+nuts+m12x1.5&qid=1581027053&sprefix=lug+nuts&sr=8-4

)

But I was curious if Ford changed the lugs after the lawsuit or if they are still the faulty ones...

so these fit the RS and were good? I was sent a link to ones that costed $100.

 

[gbassrace]

I use the Mcgard installation kit Part No. 84538

They work and fit great.