Wheel Lock "Goldilocks" -- McGard vs Gorilla

[MAVCORuss]

Thought I would share my experience in trying to find just the right wheel locks for my recently acquired 2024 XLT that I ordered with the optional (64V), 17" machine-faced, carbonized gray painted, alum. wheels with Falken Wildpeak A/T tires.

The open-ended, non-chrome plated, steel wheel lock kit that Ford offers as an option for $75 just didn't fit with the aesthetic of the nice wheel/tire package that I paid extra for, so I looked elsewhere. My online researching led me to wheel locks by McGard and Gorilla that I thought might satisfy.

MCGARD
The vehicle application guide for McGard listed a few options for either chrome or black finished 60-degree cone seated locks in the M14 x 1.5 thread size which is what the Maverick uses. The McGard locks utilize a unique "flower pattern" keyed head lug nut and corresponding socket. I chose Model No. 24215 which are a closed end type in chrome finish. I thought these would look good in conjunction with the OEM lug nuts that my truck came with. These however proved to stick out like a sore thumb. When installed they ended up sticking out much more than the other lug nuts. The ends of these locks are flat and did not look anything like the remaining 4 OEM lugs on each wheel. I thought that someone with a pipe wrench could easily grab onto the protruding ends and torque these off. The cone seat on these was also about half the size of the OEM lugs which gave me some concern as to their strength in light of the potential for off road activities and towing in my FX4/4K optioned rig.

GORILLA
I then looked up Gorilla Automotive wheel locks. Gorilla didn't offer an application guide, just a 2021 catalog to download. After going back and forth through the many pages of charts in the catalog I ordered up a set of 4 of their Model No. 71641N wheel locks (M14 x 1.5 in chrome). These appeared to have a better looking head more in tune with the OEM Ford lugs, and they seemed to be not as long as the McGard locks. When these came, I realized that they had the same smaller cone seat as the McGards. I went ahead and tried them on for yucks. They indeed looked much better and did not appear to protrude as much as the McGards even though they’re about the same length. I however was again concerned about their strength given smaller cone seat.

After further scrutiny of the Gorilla catalog charts and other online info., I finally decided to try a set of Gorilla Model No. 96641DX "Factory Style" locks. These had the same head and length as the previous Gorilla locks, but have a “bulged“ cone seat similar to that of the OEM lugs. When I put these on they looked good and provided a similar sized seat diameter in comparison to the remaining OEM lugs. The length on these is still somewhat longer than the OEM lugs but due to their end shape and size they are not wrong-looking like the McGard locks.

One thing I noticed when putting on the new wheel locks, the OEM lugs on all my wheels seemingly were only torqued to about 80-90 lb. ft. from the factory. The Maverick Owner's Manual calls for lug nuts to be tightened to 148 lb. ft (200 Nm). I retightened all my lugs and new wheel locks to the recommended specs. and will recheck them after driving around a bit. Suggest others may want to check their wheel lug torques.

Here are a few photos that document my wheel locks journey.

Wheel with McGard wheel lock, not so good looking:

Wheel with Gorilla No. 96641DX Factory Style wheel lock that I ended up using:

Side by side comparison left to right Ford OEM lug nut that came with truck; Gorilla No. 96641DX Factory Style wheel lock that I ultimately used; McGard No. 24215 wheel lock not used:

Preferred Gorilla No. 96641DX Factory Style wheel locks, starting at around $33 US:

Where I got mine:
Amazon.com: Gorilla Automotive 96641DX Chrome Factory Style Wheel Lock Set (14mm x 1.50 Thread Size, 4-Pack) : Automotive

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[icegradner]

Interesting, thanks for posting this. When plugged into Amazon oddly enough it says they don't fit the Maverick. Clearly they work for you though.

 

[MAVCORuss]

Yes, I got that too when I was looking with Amazon, but I knew that the 14mm x 1.5 was the criteria to go by.

As per my initial post, I had tried a different model of Gorilla locks that were 14mm x 1.5 that fit just fine, but didn't have the larger cone seat like the OEM lugs have. I believe that Gorilla by not listing by vehicle criteria and/or by not being up to date with their product info. may be why Amazon doesn't recognize this particular model as being suitable for the Maverick.

 

[Automan21]

The locks are just a visual deterrent. Crooks see it and move on to an easier target with no locks. If you have a really nice set they want they are gonna get it. I’ve removed plenty of locking nuts and bolts from wheels. I actually use 2 different sets on my car.

 

[icegradner]

Yup, Project Farm tested most of the big wheel lock brands, most took under 1 minute to remove. 1.30s I think was the best.

 

[MAVCORuss]

Unfortunately true.

Sounds like a second set of Gorilla wheel locks may be in my future.

 

[HTX]

Thanks for posting this. I also see them in black.
Better than nothing.

 

[Hot Runr Guy]

I've been talking w/Gorilla lately, the extended-thread bugle style #41178ET, which is shown as 14 x 1.5, but actually is 7/16-20. They will be updating the online catalog.

HRG

 

[Decayed]

IMO wheel locks are useless. If someone targets your vehicle they are going to scope it out for locknuts first and bring the correct wrench on a battery impact. Gone in....about a minute.

The guys stealing wheels know exactly what to do - it's not like it's hard. There are only a few locking lug systems out there and it's easy to get the wrenches.

Besides, who wants to screw around with a special wrench trying to change a tire in the cold, dark and rain? And honestly I have never heard about anyone having their wheels stolen, but I have had to change tires at night in the rain.

 

[olderbudwiser]

I just purchase comprehensive insurance $100 deductible would also include new tires. Cost $65 per year

 

[Deleted member 7089]

Slow "news" day on MTC.

 

[Automan21]

IMO wheel locks are useless. If someone targets your vehicle they are going to scope it out for locknuts first and bring the correct wrench on a battery impact. Gone in....about a minute.

And honestly I have never heard about anyone having their wheels stolen, but I have had to change tires at night in the rain.

having lived in The Bronx, NY most of my life I can honestly say there’s always wheels getting stolen. From all kinds of cars. My cousin’s and some friends included. And that was just a couple of years ago.
But yes they can do it in as little as 5 mins. Two guys, impact gun and a quick lift aluminum Jack.

 

[wvpc]

What do these locking lug nuts weigh compared to the stock lug nuts? If you run one locking lug nut with the stock lug nuts you may encounter a wheel balance issue if the different weight is too great. I have noticed this with light weight wheel/tire set ups.

 

[Decayed]

having lived in The Bronx, NY most of my life I can honestly say there’s always wheels getting stolen. From all kinds of cars. My cousin’s and some friends included. And that was just a couple of years ago.
But yes they can do it in as little as 5 mins. Two guys, impact gun and a quick lift aluminum Jack.

I should have said "dense urban areas excepted" because they will steal anything in places like the bronx.

But my basic point still stands - the thieves know about the special lugnuts and just carry the proper wrenches with them. It's not even a speed bump.

 

[TOMCATFIGHTER]

I'm cheap, these are fine. When they get to beat up I will buy another set I guess.

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