Spare tire lugs

[JackM]

Just picked up a used 2023 Bronco. I notice that the spare tire is held on by 3 socket type (not sure how to describe) lugs. I have never seen this type of lug before. They look like ratchet sockets which require a insert before they can be taken off by a lug wrench. Does anyone have any info on these? I cant seem to find anything about them searching the web and Youtube. I would like to replace them with something that looks nicer and more like a traditional lug nut and also find some type of lock to prevent theft.

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[Smocaine]

Do you mean "spline" type lugs? They do require a special tool, but they're easier to remove than many "locking" lug types.
I'd say check your glovebox and console and such for a matching tool. If you can't find it, most tire shops have experience getting security lugs off without the key.

 

[JackM]

Do you mean "spline" type lugs? They do require a special tool, but they're easier to remove than many "locking" lug types.
I'd say check your glovebox and console and such for a matching tool. If you can't find it, most tire shops have experience getting security lugs off without the key.

Pics would help.

Do you mean "spline" type lugs? They do require a special tool, but they're easier to remove than many "locking" lug types.
I'd say check your glovebox and console and such for a matching tool. If you can't find it, most tire shops have experience getting security lugs off without the key.

Added some pics

 

[Mdozier]

Looks like some type of anti-theft lug. As @Smocaine said look around for the key. Don't know if you did a private or dealership purchase but if you can’t find the key and it was a dealer, get them to remove them and swap for standard lugs.

Also, lots of u-tubers showing ways to defeat different anti-theft lugs. You might be able to crank down with some good vice grips to get rid of them. If you want anti-theft on your spare there are lots of threads here with very wide ranging opinions.

 

[JackM]

Just picked up a used 2023 Bronco. I notice that the spare tire is held on by 3 socket type (not sure how to describe) lugs. I have never seen this type of lug before. They look like ratchet sockets which require a insert before they can be taken off by a lug wrench. Does anyone have any info on these? I cant seem to find anything about them searching the web and Youtube. I would like to replace them with something that looks nicer and more like a traditional lug nut and also find some type of lock to prevent theft.

I think this is the tool.

 

[SeptuagenarianSasquatch]

Doesn't look OEM, or even new. Obviously something the previous owner installed to deter (note: not prevent) theft. Check for fit and effective applicability, then keep it with your spare-tire tools. Small things like this I collect in a zip-log baggie.

 

[JackM]

Doesn't look OEM, or even new. Obviously something the previous owner installed to deter (note: not prevent) theft. Check for fit and effective applicability, then keep it with your spare-tire tools. Small things like this I collect in a zip-log baggie.

Thanks, I going to try removing one today and maybe order some replacements and a lock. Any suggestions on a lock? I wish Ford would have made all the wheel holes lug nut capable. It would be a much more finished look.

 

[Brian_B]

The anti theft lugs like you have are a good deterrent. Sure they can be defeated, but it takes time and effort (and anything you do can be defeated, it’s just a matter of how much time and effort)

Another common thing to do is use a bike cable. Thread it through the rim spokes and the tire carrier and padlock it. Again, can be defeated, but adds time and effort.

Most thieves out there are just looking for easy scores and will move on to the next when they see something that isn’t stock. Not a lot you can do against a determined thief except sit in your driveway or install a camera and hope you can get them in the act (because you added time and effort)

 

[KABQ]

That's probably the right tool. While they're not pretty, they probably do a decent job of making a thief move on to the next (easier) vehicle.

 

[Brian_B]

Someone was selling caps to plug into the empty holes to give it a more finished look but I don’t recall where I saw them.

You could always just grab 3 m12x1.5 bolts and pop them on with some lug nuts before you mount it too.

 

[JP2]

I would stick an allen key in there and spin them off

 

[JackM]

That's probably the right tool. While they're not pretty, they probably do a decent job of making a thief move on to the next (easier) vehicle.

I'll try to find some kind of caps that cover them up and maybe add a bike lock like Brian recommended.

 

[Bellime]

Looks like these would be easy enough to remove even without the Torx like socket

 

[Brian_B]

Looks like these would be easy enough to remove even without the Torx like socket

They are down inside that lug well, so a bit difficult to get something on them and get some leverage to get some torque on them to unseat them. So maybe with a set of long nosed vice grips and a bar/screwdriver or something, or a big enough allen key you could wedge in there - but I don't think it's as trivial as just throwing a pipe wrench on them.

All about making the opportunity harder and adding time and effort - nothing is going to be full proof. Locks aren't about keeping thieves out - they just keep honest people honest.

 

[Bellime]

Very true, most if not all security can only slow a thief down. It was hard to see how deep within the well they sat, but I also think the rust makes them ugly

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