Any resemblance to mechanisms adequate for the job is purely coincidental. Thursday I haul my boat over to the marina and launch it. It doesn't tow quite as well without the helper springs (more hobbyhorsing) but it gets the job done. The 555Rs stick to the ramp fine. Then I head on over to the car wash to wash the salt off the L. I hop on 126 and notice a nasty vibration, indicative of of a flat tire. No room to pull over, so I nurse it to a nearby gas station. Sure enough the right rear is flat. Thereupon I make a really stupid decision. Rather than call the Auto Club I decide that I might as well change the tire myself, and learn to use the on board tools that came with the L. They are woefully inadequate. Let me just say that I would hate to have to tackle the task at night, on a dimly lighted road with dirt shoulders, dressed in nice clothes. With some pointers from the service station manager, a fellow F150 owner, I got the job done, but came out with filthy hands, pants, and just a couple barked knuckles. It was a very instructive experience, though. It instructed me that next time I will use my cell to call triple A. To add injury to insult, I take the tire to America's tire the next day, where I am entitled to a free repair. Upon removing the tire they extract the remains of a utility blade that not only punctured the casing but the sidewall as well. Scratch one 555, with probably less than 100 miles on it. I am really learning to love my VW.

 

Anyone changed a tire with an L's tools?

3 times same passenger rear tire.

 

If they have torqued the rear lugs to the 150 Lbs of torque that is recommeded by Ford, you can FORGET removing them with that short wrench, I have been using 110-115, and have no problems.

Sorry to hear about the new Nitto. Unfortunately, that is what happens with very sticky tires. They pick up all the trash on the roads. There is plenty of trash on our roads out here too.

 

I changed the passenger rear last year. Something cut the sidewall. Glad I had a pair of latex gloves onboard. 10 minutes and I was on my way.

 

Changed a flat just one time, but learned a valuable lesson, Chock the front wheels when changing a rear flat that POS jack will tipover

 

I hope Masterloggie sees this thread--LOL

Dan

 

Do we want to know why 99 SVT BOLT had a pair of latex gloves on board? I think not.

At least GM gives you a pair of gloves for the job. However, that said, the cylinder jack that they provided allowed my Denali to roll off of it trying to lift the front. Bad idea. There is no way that you could change a tire on a slightly sloped gravel shoulder.

 

I guess I'm in the minority, but I was actually impressed with the Hardware provided. I've swapped tires 5-6 times at the track using the stock Jack/Lug tool (since it's light and convenient). At least it's an actual jack rather than those damned Scissor POS jacks.

However I did go ahead and buy a 4-way lug tool. Since I run 2 sets of wheels on my SS plus the set for the L (all of which are different size Lugnuts) It makes it easier/faster to keep up with a single Lug tool that works on all of them.

 

I have a giant box o' latex gloves in the garage, throwing a pair in the glove box is never a bad idea. Makes cleanup a snap as compared to the lengthy time it takes to dig the grease out of your hands otherwise.

Regarding the stuff with the Lightning, it's not the worst on the market. I've used the Lightning jack a few times for swapping tires, it's not bad. (Not great, but as someone else mentioned, much nicer than the scissor jack you get with some other cars.) Now if you have AAA and the response time's not too bad, that's always an idea too....

 

...just renewed my AAA membership...

 

I personally dont think that it is that big of a deal. I also have used the stock tools, even if the lug nuts are tightened to 150, i only weigh 140 and i can loosen them easily. Personally i think it would be embarassing if I got a flat, and had to have someone else change my tire for me. Especially driving a truck like that. (I could see it if you were dressed nicely)