Wheel studs
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 667
Likes: 87
From: Bismarck IL.
Wheel studs
I'm getting ready to install Ridetech suspension and Wilwood brakes. I was looking over the new front hubs and they have 1/2 wheel studs.I would like to install 1/2 studs on the rear axles. My question is, can I drill out my axles with out pressing out the axles ? Thanks in advance Charlie.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,116
Likes: 3,909
From: Connecticut, USA
Yes it can be done with the axle in place. If you are going with ARP 3" 1/2-20 bolts you can cut them to size. The knurl will be longer then the thickness of the axle flange. I cut and machine them in my lathe but you can countersink the inside of the rotor hat to compensate for that. You have to work them in place, some drill a hole in the backing place to fit them in. A couple of nuts will draw them in, depending on the drill size you use it will easy or hard.
I typically do this with Tom's 31 spline HD axles for car in the 450hp-900hp range. If you have enough power to shear a 7/16 stud then you're going to break the stock 17 spline axle, u-joints, or posi case.
I typically do this with Tom's 31 spline HD axles for car in the 450hp-900hp range. If you have enough power to shear a 7/16 stud then you're going to break the stock 17 spline axle, u-joints, or posi case.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 4,786
Likes: 425
From: North Georgia, USA
Yes, it can be done with the axles in place.
A blob of grease on the drill bit tip is good to keep the drill chips retained and under control.
Oh, and pulling the new studs in is much easier and more precise with the right tool. http://amzn.com/B000ETUD22/
A blob of grease on the drill bit tip is good to keep the drill chips retained and under control.
Oh, and pulling the new studs in is much easier and more precise with the right tool. http://amzn.com/B000ETUD22/
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,116
Likes: 3,909
From: Connecticut, USA
Yes, it can be done with the axles in place.
A blob of grease on the drill bit tip is good to keep the drill chips retained and under control.
Oh, and pulling the new studs in is much easier and more precise with the right tool. http://amzn.com/B000ETUD22/
A blob of grease on the drill bit tip is good to keep the drill chips retained and under control.
Oh, and pulling the new studs in is much easier and more precise with the right tool. http://amzn.com/B000ETUD22/
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,195
Likes: 119
From: tempe Arizona
Why not search out a set of studs that fit the knurl now and are simply longer?
Hit the local NAPA and compare what you have now (in hand knurl and length etc) with others in the wheel stud and nut book.
Hit the local NAPA and compare what you have now (in hand knurl and length etc) with others in the wheel stud and nut book.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 4,786
Likes: 425
From: North Georgia, USA
I have to ask. How long does a 7/16 stud that fits the holes now have to be in order for a 1/2-20 nut to fit it?
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,195
Likes: 119
From: tempe Arizona
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Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,195
Likes: 119
From: tempe Arizona
In all seriousness here's a list of the studs to work from. I had to dig it up to get you the link.
LINKY
Now, go there, search the combo of knurl and the 1/2-20 thread you want. If you find a knurl that's perhaps .005" bigger you will most likely get it into the hub face. Much over that probably not.
LINKY
Now, go there, search the combo of knurl and the 1/2-20 thread you want. If you find a knurl that's perhaps .005" bigger you will most likely get it into the hub face. Much over that probably not.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: NSW, Australia
C3 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
You can fit them with the hubs in place, but might have to cut an access hole in the backing plate (I did). I used a balljoint separator to press the old studs out and the new ones in.