When it comes to maintaining or changing the wheels on your Ford F-150, one of the essential steps to reinstalling your rim is to ensure that the lug nuts are tightened to the right torque. Incorrect torque values can result in various problems, including the wheel coming loose from the wheel hub or the stud getting stripped. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on Ford F-150 lug nut torque values, helping you maintain your truck's wheels safely and securely.
Ford F-150 Lug Nut Torque Guide
The lug nut torque values for Ford F-150 trucks depends on the year, make, and model of your F-150. The following are the wheel lug nut torque specifications for the Ford F150 wheel lug nut:
Before proceeding, it is crucial to verify the specific torque value recommended for the particular model year Ford F-150 you are working on. Generally, these manufacturer specifications are based on the bolt pattern, rotor size, OEM wheel stud thread size, and lug nut size. For example, the F-150 SVT Raptor, and F-250 super duty supercrew have different specifications because of their intended use of the truck. In the 1/2 ton pickups, there are not variances in torque specs between the XLT, Lariat, single cab, steel wheels, alloy wheels, aluminum wheels, front wheels, etc.
Since the F-150 is based in the United States, we will refer to the values in pound-feet, generally abbreviated as lb-ft or ft-lbs. You can refer to your owner's manual, reach out to your Ford dealership, or use the below Ford f150 lug nut torque spec chart for the correct torque value.
| Generation | Year | Lug Nut Torque Spec |
| 6th Generation | 1973-1979 | 100 ft/lbs |
| 7th Generation | 1980-1986 | 100 ft/lbs |
| 8th Generation | 1987-1991 | 100 ft/lbs |
| 9th Generation | 1992-1997 | 100 ft/lbs |
| 10th Generation | 1997-2004* | 100 ft/lbs or 150ft/lbs* |
| 11th Generation | 2004-2008 | 150 ft/lbs |
| 12th Generation | 2009-2014 | 150 ft/lbs |
| 13th Generation | 2015-2020 | 150 ft/lbs |
| 14th Generation | 2021-Current | 150 ft/lbs |
Due to the many different size studs used in the 1st generation to 5th generation F150, these will be omitted from the above chart.
*2003-2004 F-150 started with the 14mm wheel stud. These models will require 150 ft/lbs. Visit our
Lightning wheel torque spec article for more information!
Why is Lug Nut Torque Important?
As mentioned earlier, incorrect lug nut torque values can lead to various issues, some of which can be dangerous. Over-tightening the lug nuts can cause the wheel studs or fasteners to break, while under-tightening can result in the wheel coming loose while driving. These situations can lead to severe accidents and damage to your Ford F-150.
The correct torque value ensures that the wheel is tightly secured to the hub, preventing wobbling or movement from the wheel due to the rotational forces of the wheel turning. It also prevents the stud from stripping or breaking, increasing the safety and longevity of your truck’s driveline components.
How to Torque Your Lug Nuts
Torquing your Ford F-150's lug nuts is a straightforward process. The following steps can help you do it correctly:
- Clean the center bore, hub, and wheel contact surfaces to remove any dirt or debris.
- Attach the wheel to the hub and hand tighten the lug nuts.
- Use a torque wrench with the correct wheel lug nut torque setting to tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque value. We do not recommend using air guns as they can easily surpass the bolt torque limit. Start with the first lug nut and move in a star pattern to tighten the rest.
- Once all the lug nuts are tightened, double-check the torque values and ensure they match the recommended specifications.
It is also important to ensure that you use the correct socket for your lug nuts. Using an incorrect socket can lead to incorrect torque values, causing the same issues we discussed earlier.
Proper maintenance of your Ford F-150, is crucial to ensure the safety and longevity of your vehicle. Ensuring that the lug nuts are torqued to the recommended specifications prevents accidents and damage, keeping you and your truck safe on the road. We hope this guide on Ford F-150 lug nut torque values has been helpful!
