|
Using adapters from a hex-style impact driver to 1/2" sockets may work for simply speeding up the removal and fastening but I think you would definitely need to use a breaker bar to crack the wheel lugs loose first. I suspect most impact drivers or cordless drills wouldn't have enough power to break the lugs loose from 100+ lb/ft, an impact gun will have more power.
You don't really want to use a torque wrench for breaking the lugs loose, most instructions will advise against loosening with a torque wrench. Having a breaker bar would be very useful and they're usually pretty inexpensive.
The idea with going for a wheel stud conversion kit is to move from using the wheel lugs which screw into the wheel hub and instead have fixed studs from the hub which you then place the wheel onto and just use nuts. It basically means you have 5 wheel hangers on the hub at all times. Pretty much all race cars will use studs since it's much faster.
Two disadvantages of stud conversions, some shops won't touch them due to liability concerns and they can be difficult to replace. Wheel stud conversions need to be installed with everything nice and clean, then thread locker and precisely torqued. If they aren't installed correctly they can back out. And removing the studs after the thread locker has set can be difficult. With track use you do want to be replacing wheel studs and/or lugs as you're putting a lot of stress on them (high heat + more frequent loosening & tightening = more stretching). And if you have harsh weather with salt, etc then the materials may not have the same corrosion resistance as OEM wheel lugs.
|