Hey gang: received my RH J8's this weekend, and in the process of install I ran across a snag. The J8's come with special lugnuts that are 1/16" narrower than stock (3/4" rather than 13/16"), but the problem is that a conventional socket does not clear the space between the lug and the rim. Are there special thin-walled sockets that are intended for this purpose? The clearance between the socket and rim is incredibly tight - now I'm worried about scraping the rim bolting down!

On more note: these J8's also came with hub-centric rings - and on the package they mentioned that they are for use with 300zx's up to '96, altimas, etc. I mention this because I have rings for another set of rims on another car, and those rings fit very snugly both on the hub and on the countersink of the rims - and these rings do not. Though they aren't incredibly sloppy, they aren't snug either, and this has become especially important on this particular rim because the clearance between the lugnut and rim is so tight to begin with.

Anyone have any input on these two questions? TIA

 

I believe any long socket should work. I've got one from craftsman that I used on my J8s.

 

Hey Stu: one vendor that I didn't buy my J8's from alluded to a special 'key' that would come with my lug nuts - which I took to mean that the lugs were hex style or something. I would think that a conventional socket would have a high likelihood of scratching the rim finish.

Also: do you remember if the package that your hubcentric rings came in specifically mentioned their use in a 350Z application? My rings seem slightly too loose for my comfort.

 

I'll need to check. I've got my stock wheels on right now. I don't think there's anything special other than the socket. I'll check and let you know.

 

Well first of all you shouldn't be using English sockets at all. You should be using metric and most likely 19mm. I would look for a deep socket 19mm and you should be good to do. Just do it by hand and be careful. As far as the Hub centric rings, I have seen 3 posts about RH's rings, and apparantly they are all really loose. I would use the tighter ones if you got em.

 

yep: Tut, you're correct. It seems that 18mm is the correct size - but my distributor has told me that I should have received a special socket with the rims - and I did not. He's overnighting me a socket and new rings which are hopefully more snug. Props to Greg at InjectedPerformance for good service.

Unfortunately, my wife knocked over one of the rims, which (of course) lands on its face on my concrete garage floor. Now I have mild rim rash on a new rim I have yet to mount. )#$(* )(*#$)#($ It would never have had the chance to be knocked over at all had I been provided with the socket from the start. Friggin' A#$)(*#$)#($#$#$.

I'm going to touch up the slight rash with Nyalic (a clear coat barrier) to prevent clear coat delamination, and hope for the best. It is hard to see from several feet away - but I now know it's there. Damnit. I'll likely replace the rim at the next tire change interval. Crap.