I am getting ready to replace the exhaust manifold gaskets on the 2010 V10. What is the recommended fastener to use a stud or bolt? Preferred Manufacturer?

 

Studs will be less likely to loosen over time. Factory came with studs. I'd contact ARP fasteners and see what studs and nut they have available for your truck. An old stud would good to have if they want measurements. Or you can spend the extra money on a set of direct fit headers. You won't get much if any power improvement with them and you will see a little more noise due to the thinner tubes but they usually fix the broken stud issues for good. I put headers on mine when mileage was low.

 

ARP has bolts available for headers for the 5.4/6.8, no studs available. Are there any other manufactures that make a quality stud that will work?

 

Use stainless studs.

Twenty years ago, the exhaust studs / bolts on the 6.9L IDI Diesel were popping off, especially in school bus applications that had many full load accelerations per mile while picking up students.

International released a stainless steel fastener that eliminated the problem. Tensile strength of the stainless fastener is lower than a Grade 8 fastener, but the stainless material has greater thermal growth. As the manifold expanded, it would expand faster than the stud, and exceed the tensile limit of the grade 8 fastener. The stainless fastener lengthens faster and more with heat, so the tensile limit was never exceeded, even with a lower tensile limit material.

Rumor has it that Ford has stainless studs in the latest service package for the Modular engines (twenty some years later).

Isn't engineering fun???

Bolt or stud makes no difference, although a stud / nut assembly is sometimes easier to install on a V shaped engine.

 

Found a few people recommending theses

 

Here is the same kit (surely the same vendor) for $10 less :-X1

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140727802057?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT