Does anyone know if FORD has done anything about the cheap studs they have been installing? My 97 with the 4.6 engine was sounding strange and i tracked it down to 3 studs on the drivers side rotted off and there is a bad exhaust leak.

 

There's an upgraded set of stainless steel studs to install as a replacement.

 

If you search on "exhaust stud" it will bring up posts with part # and repair procedures. I just did this. Dealer wanted $717. It's a pain to do.

 

My mechanic friend told me not to bother with it.

He replaced someone's studs with the stainless ones and even those broke off about a year later.

For $800 at the dealer I'm not going to mess with it.

 

Be aware that if the stud is broke even with the head or below the head surface most Ford dealers will want to remove the head which will cost much more than $800. This is a real pain.

 

This is something to look forwad to-NOT!! I recently had to drill out my manifold flange bolts were the exhaust joins the manifold, well , what was left of them anyway. Before I did this and before they totally broke, I noticed them rusting BAD - They were as thin as a pencil lead before they totally broke. I pulled my heads 2004 and all studs were really rusty. I cleaned them up, but they were so rusted that after cleaning they were pitted pretty bad. I coated them with high temp gear grease, I doubt that lasted that long, so this is probably in my future aswell. Mannn, this job sounds like a real pain!!! Think I'll look for some spare heads just in case lol - a swap might be easier.