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I learned that "righty-tighty, lefty-loosey" does not always apply to a M38A1.

I have to replace the front tires on my M38A1. So, yesterday I attempted to remove the front tires to have my new Coker Firestone tires mounted on the rims. I couldn't begin to budge the lug nuts on the front drivers side of my M38A1, so I didn't even try to loosen the nuts on the passenger side. Instead, I sprayed the lug nuts on both sides with my 50:50 acetone/ATF home brew. Went out early this morning and sprayed the nuts again.

My penetrating oil mixture rarely fails me. But, after 24 hours of soaking in the homebrew, the lug nuts still would not turn. Before I got out my nutcracker, I thought it might be good idea to consult my manual....DOH!

Can someone please explain why the lug nuts on the left side loosen in a clockwise direction and the nuts on the right side loosen in a counter-clockwise direction?

Left-handed threads on the left side to keep them from becoming loose. If you look close at those studs on the left side you should see a "L" (or a "7" depending on how the wheel is rotated).
Kendall

In the old days it was feared that the direction of normal forward rotation of the two left wheels would facilitate the unwanted loosening of the lug nuts. So the industry went with left hand threads on the left side of just about all autos and trucks. Over the years the coning of the wheel rim at the lug nut and the use of different engaging angles on the bearing surface of the lug nuts and the hole in the wheel have solved the issue. Eventually most manufacturers have abandoned the practice.

It always pays to read the manual!

wesk wrote:...It always pays to read the manual!

I am now a believer!

Well your not the only one to have that issue. I have a tendency to forget about that. I'm always testing to see which way it's easier to turn the lug first on all tires still. Gets real confusing fast when your working on 2 a1's at a time and there parked in opposite directions .

Don't ever forget that a previous owner that took a Jeep apart and re-packed bearings could have installed the front drums on the wrong side! I had one that way and corrected it. Always read the ends of the studs when a new vehicle to you. John

And don't think that some owner along the way hasn't replaced ONE RH stud with a LH one.

Glad you didn't break out the torches.