When you buy just the TA cover, you get all the bolts you need including the center bolts...but what exactly is the stud kit that you can buy optional??? what is so different about the optional stud kit than the regular bolts it comes with

 

Well, I won't get into the strenght of studs vs. bolts conversation, but I do know that it would certainly be nice to just slide the cover onto all the studs and turn the nuts on, instead of trying to hold the cover up while you're thread the bolt through over half an inch of aluminum to a hole that isn't very happy. For what it's worth, my car currently has a 9 bolt since I can't seem to get one of the bolts to catch.

 

The studs are not for holding the cover on. They are for the bearing caps inside the rear end.

 

exactly

The "stud kit" is not for the cover. the cover is always held on by bolts. The studs take the place of the bearing cap bolts that hold the carrier in place. If you just hold a stud and nut against a a stock bolt its not hard to see why the studs are so much stronger. The dont flex or strech like a stock bolt under heavy loads. This in tern hold the carrier in place better and results in less carnage on a hard launch.

 

Oh ok I thought it was for the actual cover. I didn't know the studs for the caps were an optional item, figured they all came like that, or at least the ones I've seen for the 10 bolt.

 

Does anyone know the specs for the stud kit (i.e. thread pitch and dimensions) I just want to know if I can pick up the studs and bolts locally in the appropriate grade instead of shelling having them shipped.