RE: [A/S] Re: new tires and aluminum wheels Lug Bolts

["Oliver Filippi" <ofilippi@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

My old (1976) Airstream Service Manual shows two different line entries, but
the same part numbers for the Lug Bolts, one for steel wheels and another
for aluminum wheels.

Both are listed as Airstream PN. 410010

My suggestion would be to check with an Airstream dealer. Often, the lug
bolts for an alloy wheel are longer to make up for the added thickness of
the aluminum hub.

All this time, I thought they used different lug bolts (unless there is a
typo in my service manual).

I have no idea as to the thickness of the hub of the new Alcoa wheels.  One
thing is certain, they are a more sophisticated product (more finesse and
probably stronger) than the older vintage cast aluminum wheels, and probably
lighter too.

For what it's worth, the reason high performance vehicles and race cars use
light alloy wheels i to reduce un-sprung weight.  Thus there is less inertia
and momentum to the wheel as it goes up and down while rolling along an
uneven road.  This allows the suspension (torsion axle and shock absorber
system) to function better.

I know this isn't much help, but perhaps we can clear up the Lug Bolt issue
once and for all.

Oliver Filippi