Well i've rotated my tires myself for years. I used to have an impact wrench I used to tighten the lug nuts when i rotated the tires. It got lost in the last move some how and I was wondering what is the "proper" way to tighten the nuts back on. I have a torque wrench. I suppose i could torque them with that. What do ya'll usually torque them too?

Thanks for the help.

~Mark

 

Well, the '99 F150s came with 12mm studs and I believe that the torque spec is 120 ft-lbs (check other posts under Wheels and Tires). You should tighten all the lug nuts to about 70% of the specified value in a "star pattern" (every other lug nug nut). Then, finish tightening to the final spec. (again in the star pattern). Also, finish the tightening with the full weight of the vehicle on the wheel (not on the jack).

After driving about 50 miles, recheck the torque on the lug nuts.

These instructions I gleaned from the owner's manual, shop manual, and posts on this board.
Verify what I have said on your own, but IMO you won't go wrong with the above procedure.

 

From the HAYNES repair manual for 1997 - 1999 pick-ups and Expeditions they list:

Wheel lug nuts - 85 - 105 Ft-lbs.

 

I stand corrected.

 

Yea, the chart we have at work (which is laminated and very large so it has to be correct right ) calls for 100 ft lbs.

 

Not to correct anyone, I hand tighten all of them first and then step to 35 ft lbs, then 70 ft lbs, then final 100 ft llbs...in a star pattern...A tad of antiseze on the rim and on the studs will help remove them in the future...You can impact them off, you can use a torque stick to put them on...

I may be a stickler, but the first time you have to cut your rotors due to warpage, because of improper install, you too will be a stickler...