double nut hubs and rims

Truck is a 1986 Peterbilt 359 with 285/75 R24.5 low pro rubber with double nuts. The old timers around here call them "double nut buds". They usually either smile or grimmace when they look at them.

My problem is, after I place the inner aluminum rim on the hub, there is only approx 1/2" of the wheel stud protruding from the rim, which allows me only 4-5 (fine) threads of engagement when I put the nut on. My mechanic (who is 65 yrs old) theorized this is because the truck probably came with steel rims....Steel rims being thinner, allowing for more threads protruding from the rim. However Peterbilt dealer confirms the truck was manufactured with aluminum rims. So much for that theory.

OK no problem I need to put longer wheel studs in the hub. $4 per stud right? Wrong. My local truck parts shop and online searches result in a Euclid part that costs $23 per stud x 40 studs!!!!!!

Has anyone dealt with this?

 

Short ones are cheap....$4 each. It's the long ones that are gold.

 

You guys are reading it right. Stud length is the issue. The thimble is long enough (i.e. blind threaded hole is deep enough) to take a upwards of 4" of thread but there is only a few threads on the wheel stud sticking out past the aluminum inner rim.

 

Good idea on the brake drums. I will check into that.

 

Yep. $23/each plus shipping.