Red-Candy-Metallic
Member
Since I have been changing my rear wheels at the drag strip (bracket racing) and repeated torquing them, I thought it might be a good idea to replace the rear wheel studs. I did not want to use Arp studs due to the length and open lug nuts. I did not do a great deal of research, so they may have stock length studs, but I didn't find any. My car is pretty much stock, NA, just a CAI and 93 octane tune. It's an automatic with a stock converter and I am foot-braking the launch, so I don't believe there is any high impact loading. I looked around for a way to remove the studs without hammering them out, and I found a YouTube video that recommend a certain tool, (Orion Motor Tech Ball Joint Separator) but when I tried to use it, it didn't open wide enough, and it was somewhat light duty.
This tool was the perfect solution: GEARWRENCH Ball Joint Separator | 3916D
About $25 with tax, sold on Amazon
The studs came out and went back in using a 1/2" rachet on the tool screw. You press them out and then reverse the tool to press the new studs in. You can easily replace all five studs on one side in 30 minutes, once you have the caliper and rotor off. If you use an impact gun to install them (you shouldn't need to), you need to be careful not to ruin the tool when the stud bottoms out in the hub.
I bought the factory Ford studs from LMR.com
This tool was the perfect solution: GEARWRENCH Ball Joint Separator | 3916D
About $25 with tax, sold on Amazon
The studs came out and went back in using a 1/2" rachet on the tool screw. You press them out and then reverse the tool to press the new studs in. You can easily replace all five studs on one side in 30 minutes, once you have the caliper and rotor off. If you use an impact gun to install them (you shouldn't need to), you need to be careful not to ruin the tool when the stud bottoms out in the hub.
I bought the factory Ford studs from LMR.com
| W714059S439-K | 05-14 Mustang Rear Wheel Stud |
