Let 's talk about nuts.......

[Dan B.]

I'm thinking I may upgrade the rear wheel studs on the 387W Ranger. It's got a Mopar 8.75" rear (narrowed) and is currently using the stock studs. I've got a lot of years on the current set up but I'm slowly feeding it more power. At what ET/MPH are longer studs and open ended nuts required? Also, are there any preferred nuts for running on this combo?

[CobraII]

The rule book doesn't state an ET cutoff when larger diameter studs are required. It's a common sense thing, with your own combo, how much torque, how hard you hit the tires, transbrake or footbrake, etc. It certainly doesn't hurt to have the extra diameter.

Lug nuts are the same. Provided they are properly engaging the wheel stud, open or closed should be acceptable.

IHRA rulebook is online and open to all. Hopefully this link works.
http://www.mydigitalpublication.com/...4,%22page%22:0}

Go to page 90/91 for the Wheels and Tires section. Here is the text; there is also a diagram for the stud/nut engagement.


WHEELS & TIRES: Hubcaps must be removed for inspectors, who will check for loose
lugs, cracked wheels, worn or oversize lug holes, spindles, axle nuts, cotter pins, etc.
Snap on hubcaps or tie wrap wheel covers are not permitted on any class car during
competition. Tires will be visually checked for condition, pressure, and must be
considered safe by the Technical Committee prior to any runs by the car. Recapped tires
are prohibited. All street tires must have a minimum of 1/16” tread depth. Each car in
competition must be equipped with automotive type wheels with a minimum 12”
diameter, unless class requirements stipulate otherwise. Motorcycle wheels or light
weight automotive wire wheels must be equipped with .100 inch minimum diameter
steel spokes, properly cross-laced to provide maximum strength. All spoke holes in rim
and hub must be laced. Omissions to lighten wheels are not permitted. A minimum tire
pressure may be enforced by the Technical Committee at any time. A maximum of two
(2) inch offset will be allowed in TF, NFC and TD front axle. All other classes will be
allowed one inch offset. All wheel studs must project through wheel both front and rear
when recessed after market nuts are used. All wheel studs must project through lug nut
when stock nut is used. Titanium wheel studs are prohibited on entries in TF, PFD, and
PNFC. Vehicles with missing studs will be prohibited from competition.
Metal screw-in valve stems mandatory in tubeless tires front and rear of all entries
running 11.99 and quicker 1/4 mile or 7.49 and quicker 1/8 mile. All cars running in
TF, PFD and PNFC, all altered cars, and all Dragster Divisions must use an approved
racing tire on front as well as rear of car.