Ford F-150 Lug Nut Torque | All Model Years

A Ford F-150 drifting on a dirt road leaving dust behind

Here’s a dealership-grade reference you can rely on for safely tightening F-150 wheel lug nuts across all model years. We lead with the newest trucks and group years where the torque spec is the same, then note the handful of exceptions enthusiasts run into. Always use a calibrated torque wrench on clean threads and re-check after a short shakedown drive.

2026–2021 (14th-gen F-150): 150 lb-ft (M14 x 1.5)

Current-generation F-150 models use 14 mm x 1.5 wheel studs with a 150 lb-ft torque spec. Ford’s online owner’s manual confirms 150 lb-ft for M14 x 1.5 and instructs a re-torque after 100 miles. As of October 9, 2025, Ford has not published a 2026 F-150 manual separate from 2025; expect continuity unless Ford specifies otherwise.

2020–2015 (13th-gen F-150): 150 lb-ft

Aluminum-body F-150s (2015–2020) use 14 mm studs and the same 150 lb-ft torque. This value aligns with Ford documentation for M14 x 1.5 hardware and is widely validated in owner references. Re-torque after 50–100 miles is good practice.

2014–2009 (12th-gen F-150): 150 lb-ft

Ford transitioned the mainstream F-150 line to 14 mm wheel studs in the 2004–2008 era; the 2009–2014 trucks continue with a 150 lb-ft spec.

2008–2004 (11th-gen F-150): 150 lb-ft

Mainline 2004–2008 F-150 models use 14 mm studs and 150 lb-ft. Note the special case for the 2004 F-150 Heritage below.

Special Case: 2004 F-150 Heritage and Late-10th-Gen 2000–2003 Trucks

Ford issued guidance distinguishing 12 mm vs 14 mm wheel hardware during the changeover years.

2003–1997 (10th-gen F-150): Mostly 100 lb-ft, with 14 mm exceptions at 150 lb-ft

Most 1997–2003 F-150s used 12 mm studs and a 100 lb-ft spec. Some late 10th-gen vehicles equipped with 14 mm studs (e.g., certain “7700”/7-lug or Heritage configurations) require 150 lb-ft. If you’re unsure, check stud diameter or socket size: 19 mm socket typically indicates 12 mm studs (~100 lb-ft), 21 mm socket typically indicates 14 mm studs (150 lb-ft).

1996–1992 (9th-gen F-150): 100 lb-ft

Ninth-generation trucks use 12 mm wheel hardware with a 100 lb-ft specification.

1991–1987 (8th-gen F-150): 100 lb-ft

Eighth-generation F-150s retain the same 100 lb-ft spec with 12 mm studs.

1986–1980 (7th-gen F-150): 100 lb-ft

Seventh-generation trucks continue at 100 lb-ft.

1979–1975 (1st-gen F-150): 100 lb-ft

When the F-150 nameplate debuted, the spec was 100 lb-ft with 1/2-inch (≈12 mm) hardware.

SVT/Performance Notes (Lightning & Raptor)

Our Service Tip: Re-torque and Clean Mating Surfaces

Ford’s manual calls out two essentials for wheel security: clean, corrosion-free mating faces and a re-torque after about 100 miles of driving following any wheel service. We follow that protocol in our shop to the letter.

Why Specs Differ in the 1997–2004 Window

Conflicting numbers online usually trace back to a hardware change: trucks with 12 mm studs take 100 lb-ft, while trucks with 14 mm studs take 150 lb-ft. Ford’s bulletin for 2004 Heritage spells this out clearly and the same logic applies to late-10th-gen 7-lug/7700 packages. If you’re not sure which you have, we’ll confirm in minutes during a complimentary service lane check.

Conclusion

From classic ninth-gen workhorses to today’s aluminum-body F-150s, wheel security comes down to matching torque to the hardware you actually have. For modern trucks (2015–2025, and likely 2026 once Ford publishes), 150 lb-ft is the standard with 14 mm x 1.5 studs. Older models generally use 100 lb-ft unless upgraded to 14 mm studs. If you’d like us to verify your specific truck and re-torque properly, the team at Jim Burke Ford will handle it with factory-correct procedures and equipment.