[WideOpen&Sideways]

Hey guys,

Somehow between the Subaru dealership, and myself, both using a torque wrench, and tightening by hand, a few of my wheel studs are now stripped beyond repair. Seems to me that the OEM wheel studs are of a poor quality for those who change their wheels often. I was left out of commission last week at our local circuit because of this problem. Since I do track my car from time to time, I see this as a necessary time to upgrade.

I need a very versatile system, with the strongest components available. I've done some initial research but need some advice.

I was toying around with the idea of going for ARP studs, and a forged aluminum lugnut, such as the Rays Dura-nuts. I would like to run extended studs with an open end lugnut, however, I've read in a few places that upgrading the rear studs to extended units is next to impossible. Can someone please confirm this?

I need a system that will enable me to run spacers if needed, and be able to run both OEM and aftermarket wheels.

Can someone please chime in and give me a hand with selecting the best products for my application?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers!

[nhat]

i believe most people use arp long studs. here's a short discussion on them as well as how to get the rears in:
ARP Long Wheel Studs on JDM 2004 STi Rear Assembly - NASIOC
06 STI + ARP Wheel Stud Install - NASIOC


i guess the easy way to go is with the abs sensor hole route.

[token-negro]

You will be pulling the front hub apart to do this on ur 06 just be prepaired.

[WideOpen&Sideways]

Thanks for your replies.

Some good info in those threads

I was aware that there were a few options for installing the rear extended lugs such as drilling a hole in the backing plate, or extending the ABS sensor hole. Seems this might be a little more work than it's worth.

Just to confirm, token, are you suggesting that I have to remove the hub assembly even to do the fronts? Is this an 06 thing?

Thanks.

[token-negro]

Yep that is correct, those pictures are of my friends 06, and we hacked up the ABS hole in the rear like all the rest of the years, but the front you have to seperate the hub and spindle, by loosening the 4 bolts in behind the hub. We also took the axle out to get to everything, so yeah for an 06 this is a major job. You can thank the redisigned spindle casting for your extra effort, i guess the other option would be to grind the heck out of the spindle casting.

[WideOpen&Sideways]

Thanks for the heads up, token. Much appreciated.

Since I don't have the necessary tools to take the hub apart properly, I'm going to have to take this to the shop. Balls.

So I guess my last question would be, will my choice of ARP extended studs, and open ended Rays duranuts be choice for my application? I basically want a setup that will last, won't strip with multiple applications, will leave me room to use spacers in the future if needed, and lastly, looks decent.

Thanks again.

[token-negro]

Sounds like u got the right combo, i might go with some none alum lugs, but u might want to ask around in the motorsports forums on nasioc.

[kitganzon]

I have done it before. It takes time but it is very possible.

[T3h_Clap]

the 50mm Duranuts may not be long enough (they are close ended) for the ARP wheel studs.

you may have to step up to a p.Kics R40.

there are a few other open ended lug nuts out there though.

[STirish]

Do the short ARP studs fit in the rear without drilling on the '06?

[polyol]

Installed ARP Extended Studs Through ABS Sensor Port

Here is a thread I started. Fronts for 04's are a sinch. Super easy...but I hear it is hard on 06+. The rears I put through the ABS sensor port...but I had to grind it out. No way around that. It takes me about 20mins of grinding on each hole. i would recomend a die grinder with a carbide tip.

[polyol]

Originally Posted by STirish

Do the short ARP studs fit in the rear without drilling on the '06?

Probably not.

[jimbo15471]

I have an 04 and just did longer studs in the front and rear. I run H&R 5mm spacers in the rear and 10mm in the front. The front were definitely a piece of cake. The rear on the other hand take a little patience. The rear are easier once you get in the rythem and move things around. The rear probably took about 45-1hr a piece. Note, though the rear studs in my application are not as long as in the front. I would recommend two people on the rear and long magnet.