Hey Guys, I need to replace some broken exhaust studs on my 2001 3.0 Ranger. They hold the manifold to the head and have the nut as a fixed part of the stud, so you can mount the oil dipstick tube and other parts to them. I've looked high and low for aftermarket ones but haven't had any luck. Are these a Ford Dealer only item? If so, how much of my kid's college fund will I have to borrow to purchase these? Thanks

 

It is not a stud if there is a bolt head on it. Ford is known to make bolts with short studs on their heads for applications like that.

Why can't you just put a regular stud in, put a nut on it, then secure the dipstick tube on top of that with another nut?

 

I like knowing that next time I pull the manifold, the "stud" will come away from the head, allowing easy removal of the manifold. Otherwise, I have to pull the manifold away from the head about 1" to get it out. I just went through this with the left manifold which had a stud broken off in the head. It stuck out 5/8" and I had a hell of a time getting the manifold to clear.

Yes, a stud and a couple of flange nuts from Ace hardware will work just fine for now. I just prefer the other method and simply would like to know if anyone reading this post has bought these from Ford. If I have to remortgage the house so I can afford the OEM hardware, then I guess simple Ace Hardware is the practical approach.

 

Skyjack, this past weekend I ripped into my valve cover gaskets. I noticed that that stud was broken on mine as well. I also noticed on the other side, there is a similar bracket that holds the other side of the ignition coil pack. That bolt/stud was also broken on mine. There is no black soot or any other sign, so I'm going to keep running as is. Just thought I'd speak up and while you are trying to replace the bolt/stud, check the other side.

 

Heads of the studs breaking off is very common on our engines (the 3.0). One of mine was broken, and when I searched I found a bunch of other people had ones broken as well. As far as using the same style studs that Ford uses I don't think I would. There is really no reason why a normal style bolt wouldn't be exactly the same, with the exception of the bolt that has the oil dip stick and other tube bolted to it. I have JBA headers on my truck and used the normal bolts that came with them, so my oil dipstick bracket as well as the other bracket are no longer secured. There is really no difference.

 

I have the same problem and ordered one of those studs last night at fordpartsgiant.com, it was part number *811572-S431 and cost 6.35. I was at dealer earlier that day and they told me those studs were discontinued, but i think they just didn't feel like messing with it.

 

I ' ve broken 2 studs off while installing my new Gibson headers on my 3.0. 1 is sticking out enough to try the double nut trick but the other is flush with the bolt hole in the head. It is the back one on the passenger side. Does anyone know how to remove it, short of welding or a machine shop?