I just got my wheels delivered today. They're mounted and balanced already (pretty much a direct transfer from one car to another).

My question is: what do I need to put them on? Jack stands obviously and some kind of torque wrench I guess. I just wanted to some input on getting the stock wheels off and and putting the new ones on. I didn't see a link to this via search, but if there is and I missed it I apologize. If not, I'll do a brief write-up when I'm done. Thanks for your help!

 

If you plan to do wheel changes a lot or work under your car, then a floor jack is a good investment. If not, then use the supplied scissors jack, but be careful the car is securely chocked and ebrake firmly pulled when doing this. A jack stand is not absolutely necessary. Just don't put any part of your body under any part of the car that would hit the ground if the car shifted and fell.
A needle type 1/2" drive torque wrench that will accurately read up to 100 lb/ft will be fine for this purpose. You can use the supplied lugnut wrench but a 1/2", 19mm socket (which you'll need for the torque wrench anyway) and an extension a few inches long (also needed for the torque wrench) and an 18" breaker bar will work more efficiently, but again, not absolutely necessary. You might economize by simply buying a small 1/2" drive metric socket set that includes a 19mm socket.
If you got aftermarket rims, you might want to check to see that you have the centering rings. Keep in mind that the front and rear rings will be slightly different. These ring may or may not be required for your application. If you detect an odd vibration at speed, then you know that the rings were required.

 

Thanks xviper, helpful as always! Where can I get the rings if I need them?

 

Centering rings usually come with new rims when they are purchased. If you got yours used, maybe ask the seller if he had them. If not, then I guess you could find a distributor for the new rims and try to get them there. Check out some of the sponsors via the sponsor link at the bottom of the page.

 

You may as well get a breaker bar for removing the lug nuts.

 

If your lug nuts were properly torqued you won't need a breaker bar.

 

What part of 80 lbs of torque do you not understand?


Sure, you could use the little lug nut wrench that came with the car, but it is a lot easier with a breaker bar. The wrench that came with the car is great for emergency's.

Lets be real here, how many guys you see in the paddock area using an emergency wheel lug wrench to change their tires

 

My mental picture of a breaker bar is the 3 foot long piece of pipe I had to use to remove my wife's caliper bolts.... 130ftlbs of torque my ass.

Maybe you weigh 140 lbs but that little lug wrench in our tool kit works fine for me.

A cheap 4 star lug wrench is fine for removing lugs. Better yet, I have one of those telescoping lug wrenches for breaking them loose. I love that thing.

 

^^Nice!