willysmjeeps.com

Hello Guys,
I,m new to Jeepin, got a 50s m38a1. The left rear lug nut is rounded.
It is also left thread. Where can I get a left thread extractor tool for lug nuts. Maybe I'll try a nut splitter, really trying to save the stud. Any advice on how to remove this bad boy is much appreciated.

I would try a nut splitter or slowly cut the lug nut with a cutoff wheel or hacksaw blade in numerous places until you can get it off. As long as you are careful the stud won't get messed up.

Take the next size smaller 6 point socket and trim the nut to fit the socket. Then get the nut red hot with a torch and then remove with ratchet and socket. Try using a 1/2" drive ratchet or breaker bar with a impact type heavy 6 point socket.

Centre pop & drill the nut just about right through parallel with the thread.
Will split quite easily then with chisel & hammer or @ the very least become loose after a couple of whacks.

Thanks Guys,

I'm going to try the next smaller size socket first, I didn't think of drilling, that could work to. Either way, what a chore. This is my first Jeep, and it figures the very first thing I take a wrench to, is stripped. Fun Fun !

Dan

big vice grips or a smaller pipe wrench. good luck!!!

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the good ideas.

I got the offending nut off and the stud is still OK. I drilled two small holes in the nut on each side of the stud. Then cold chissled through, along the holes. Took a little work, but the nut split, I was gentle on the stud. Good idea, worked great.

Thanks again,

Dan, Palm Springs, CA

Guys,
DO NOT heat up the lug nuts to remove them. This is a major safety issue.
The rim heats up and the air inside the tire can expand at an uncontrolled rate and blow up the tire. If you don't believe this, just google it and you will see films of this happening. Guys have been killed doing this.
John