Lug nut size on 99 Cherokee ?!?!?!

This seems ridiculous to me to post, but I’ve gotten nowhere working with various socket sizes and 4-way tire irons in pinning down the actual size of the lug nuts on my Jeep. It’s my first time dealing with these wheels on this Jeep I just recently acquired, and it’s giving me a run for my money (and time). Any have insight on lug sizes? I’ve seen folks talking about 3/4” and 13/16” - both of which are too big for these nuts. Closest I’ve gotten for anything to bite is 17mm. I’ll post a photo of what I’m working with shortly.

 

For a 20 year old vehicle, the nuts could have been changed at least once. The 3/4" hex is pretty standard for a 1/2-20 thread, if that is too big then go for an 11/16" or even 5/8". If the closest you can get is still not correct then go metric. Good Luck!

 

Welcome and I would go with the size the lug studs are now will tighten up a lot better that way lol

 

Any chance you're dealing with lug nuts that have the chrome plated caps damaged or missing? That can reduce the effectiveness of a 4-way lug wrench. Get some McGard or Gorilla solid lug nuts which are 1/2-20 and use a hex size 13/16 lug wrench.

 

I hate capped nuts.....
For that reason, the cap comes off and you are left with some odd size.
Friends don't let friends have capped nuts.

 

Humm....Capped nuts. I've had shelled nuts.

 

So, here’s a shot of what I’m working with. I thought this file uploaded when I originally posted, but it didn’t. I’ve tried 3/4”, 1/2”, 13/16”, 5/8”, 11/16”, and 17mm (which was oddly the closest to any bite at all). I’m starting to think the nuts are worn and softened and they just need to be ripped off and replaced all together (thought I’ve literally never experienced that before on any of my previous vehicles) ‍♂️ This truck has sat for a while, and wasn’t well cared for before I got it, so I’m thinking it may just be in my best interest to get one of those bolt extractors and go to town.

 

Those are anti theft lug nuts they take a special tool like a star nut ran into these one time at Walmart tire and lube when I was ambitious enough to have a second job. No idea how to get the tool .it gives you a starting point at least

 

Good insight! I wonder if these are sold these publicly or what would be anti-theft about it? I’ll dig around and see what I can come up with.

Thanks!

 

Those are spline lug nuts that require a unique lug to remove. Consider yourself lucky this was discovered before being stuck on the road. Check the spare+jack area or glove compartment for that special lug. If it can't be found buy some good solid lug nuts off Amazon and have a tire place replace them immediately. This can be DIY if you have the time tools and place.

 

Heard that. Considering one of the tires is already ruined, I’m trying to get it off to place the spare on to get it to a tire place. I was going to do just that: have them remove and replace all the nuts. Glad to know I’m not the only one that would take it to the pros for something like this.

Thanks for the insight

 

I have seen so many people either lose the special socket or buy a vehicle that didn't have one.
My Father works at a parts department and more than once he has had someone come in that didn't have the special socket and wanted my Father to open every package of anti-theft lug nuts so they could try the socket from each one on their vehicle.

 

Yep, socket wasn’t in the Jeep when I received it. I bet it’s damn easy to lose those things if you’re not neurotic about stuff like that like some of us ...

I went ahead and ordered a replacement kit that includes the socket and lugs specific to my model from Advance for like $35. It’s available today, so I’ll give that a go and post back about how that worked.

Thanks for all the input y’all.

 

Wheel locks can be a debatable topic on any forum but I've had mine for several years on Jeeps especially for the vulnerable spare tire. It's a decent theft deterrent device that just needs the special key put away after each use.

 

ALWAYS put key to locking nuts on a chain and clip it to you factory jack or jack handle I had to flaming hatchet one off my yota one time because I lost the key and could not get it started with a cold chisel. Ruined the nut, stud and nicked my wheel

 

Good advice for sure

 

Bout to finish up work for the day and head to the auto parts store. Looking forward to some resolution here ... maybe?

 

Unfortunately I came by it the hard way lol was a 20 something kid then

 

Boom! Aggrex nailed it. Acorn Spline nuts @ 13/16”. Spline key is the trick. Got a nice new set of nuts for each tire and am going to town replacing the olds. It was amazing how easy each one broke once I had the right tools. Always a game changer having the right equipment and tools for the job. Turns out O’reilly’s sells just the key for about $7 (according to the guy at Advance who helped me out). Not for the future, but I’m going TJ_abuser on chaining that key to the wrench. Glad to have that solved. Got the spare on and am currently hunting for a new set of rubber all around.

Big ups to this community for the commitment to the Jeep love - and for helping me solve this problem.