LCA

ADQ - What size is the nut for the lower control arm on a 04 TJ where it joins at the axle? (like where you would bolt a skid row lower control arm skid plate) A 1/2 inch fits but feels loose. Auto parts store couldnt help - 14mm didnt work but may have been threading. The screw here to see what size nut you need in both auto parts and home depot didnt fit what I had. I have a problem with nuts just not wanting to stay tight.

You should try using the nuts that have the nylon lock rings on the end. If that doesn't fix the nuts coming loose problem try some lock tight. I thought that all the axle parts for the control arms used 1/2 nuts and bolts.

I thanks - I thought so but 1/2 didnt work on the try here display and felt loose as I threaded it on- you know how the threads catch but theres a touch of play. The original didnt have the nylon and the one I had that did didnt work. I just wanted to double check -- They've been doing road construction on the road to my house and these guys dont know smooth -- its like driving on a rausch road for a mile or two at 40 mph 4 times a day. I checked after last outing and all was ok but not every week. After last outing my spare nut pile is growing!

Its metric, not sure what size but next size smaller then 1/2 is 12mm

check the thread pitch too. I think its 1.5 (I could be wrong). Try using a touch of blue (med) loc-tite to keep it from backing off.

Ok I had to add this note. Took off early from work to tighten my nuts while it was still daylight and as an excuse to just leave early on a friday. Degunked the xj and then tightened and locktighted the nuts on the TJ that I had messed with. Keep in mind I'm not that mechanical at all so I'm still learning. Still wasnt comfortable with the lower control arm nut - come to find out what i really bought but was mis-labeled at home depot (wow big suprise there) was a 5/8 not half inch. So chiltens was no help so called a jeep dealer who sent me to parts. They then told me it was a 14mm.

Now that you have the short story long -- how do you think I felt calling Ace Hardware and asking if they have any 14mm coarse thread nuts?

And they didnt even blink

thank for the update Gill. Now we know.