max wheel stud size wihout pulling Hub

cknaak · 05-11-2015, 08:42 AM

Hello all, I've been reading a ton of threads and I'm getting conflicting messaging on the maximum wheel stud size the rear wheels can accept without removing the hubs.

I've seen several folks say that 66mm studs are the longest you can fit.

I've also seen a couple people say you can go upwards of 76mm if you remove the parking brake assembly.

Can someone give me a definitive answer before I start removing things. For the record, I have purchased 72mm studs.

Thanks for the feedback!

R2911 · 05-11-2015, 11:17 AM

Correct, 66mm is the max stud you can install @ rear w/o pulling hub...just recently did this conversion bout 6 months ago.
If you want to install 72mm studs, then rear hub assembly will have to come off.

KTL · 05-11-2015, 01:24 PM

With all due respect I have to disagree with R2911. You can fit a 72mm stud w/out removing the hub.

The trick is to remove the star wheel adjuster in the parking brake and also pry the steel backing plate inward/toward the engine to allow clearance for the lengthy stud to be inserted into the back of the hub. After you're done with all five, bend the backing plate back into place and no harm done. I've done it myself speaking from personal hands-on experience here.

cknaak · 05-11-2015, 01:44 PM

KTL, Thats brilliant! I hadn't even considered bending the steel back plating.

I did remove the adjuster and even with the extra space, I realized I needed about another quarter inch to fit it in there. I actual contemplated cutting out a section but decided not too.

Unfortunately I resembled everything since I didnt think it could be done. How easy/difficult is it to bend the steel backing back? Any risk of damaging anything?? As much detail as you can provide oin the steps you tok would be great! Thanks!

mspirito · 05-11-2015, 01:52 PM

We took a small cut off wheel and made a slice into the backing plate and bent a little tab out-of-the-way with two cuts. Put all the studs through that 3/8 inch hole and then bent the tab back.

uwanna · 05-11-2015, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KTL

With all due respect I have to disagree with R2911. You can fit a 72mm stud w/out removing the hub.

The trick is to remove the star wheel adjuster in the parking brake and also pry the steel backing plate inward/toward the engine to allow clearance for the lengthy stud to be inserted into the back of the hub. After you're done with all five, bend the backing plate back into place and no harm done. I've done it myself speaking from personal hands-on experience here.

What he says ^^^^. Been there ,done that!

KTL · 05-11-2015, 02:26 PM

I knocked the backing plate backward with a hammer and a long drift (tapered steel punch). But you gotta be careful banging on the backing plate because you can knock off the nearby weld nut (barely welded) on the backing plate. Knocking it back into place is just a matter of hitting it back into place. Or you could use a long bolt and the weld nut to pull it back straight.

I like the idea of mspirito of cutting some slots to allow the plate to bend backward more easily. Also makes it easy to bend back into place.

motofoto · 05-11-2015, 02:54 PM

Yep, I did 72mm studs without removing the hubs too, same way as KTL. Barely clears, but it does.

Busta Rib · 05-11-2015, 03:15 PM

I installed 100mm studs on my car a couple months ago without removing the rear hubs. You need to remove the emergency brake assembly and the backing plate. Then you will find a hole from the back of the hub that is just big enough to thread your stud through. It takes some finagling but it can be done. Rotate the hub for each stud and you will be good to go. Just remember to take pictures/notes so you know how to reassemble the emergency brake assembly and don't lose any parts. One of my butterfly spacers was broken and I had to replace it for about $25 on Pelican.

I read about this technique in this thread, post #19: Wheel Stud replacement...A pictoral..

cknaak · 05-11-2015, 06:58 PM

Busta Rib, I felt around the rear of the hub after removing the backing plate and didnt find any holes that would work with the new stud. I'll check again however the "bend method" may be easier than disassembling the E-brake on each rear wheel.

If you have any pictures or a link to a step by step for disassembling the ebrake that would be very helpful. Thanks!

Canada Kev · 05-11-2015, 07:07 PM

I was going to install longer studs, but before I order new, how long are the existing ones that should be on my '87 car?

LJ851 · 05-11-2015, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cknaak

I felt around the rear of the hub after removing the backing plate and didnt find any holes that would work with the new stud.

There isn't a hole until you remove the parking brake cable.

cknaak · 05-12-2015, 10:59 AM

Success!

Thanks for all the feedback,I successfully installed my 72mm studs following the cut and bend method.I added some pics in case others have questions in the future

KTL · 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canada Kev

I was going to install longer studs, but before I order new, how long are the existing ones that should be on my '87 car?

45mm is the length of the original stud. That's from under the head of the stud (includes splines) to the end of the threads. Go to the link Busta Rib provided & and then check out RoyB's photo album. His album has various helpful pics, including one that shows the original stud next to the new longer one

Canada Kev · 05-12-2015, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KTL

45mm is the length of the original stud. That's from under the head of the stud (includes splines) to the end of the threads. Go to the link Busta Rib provided & and then check out RoyB's photo album. His album has various helpful pics, including one that shows the original stud next to the new longer one

Thanks.