Well, the studs seem to make it easier to align and put the exhaust back on
rather than just using bolts.  However, my studs came out when I turned the
nuts so I just replaced them with stainless 13mm (I think) bolts so removal
in the future will be a snap.  BTW, I don't think the original studs (if I
had the originals) are hardened at all, they actually seemed rather soft.
Mark

>> I am currently replacing the front exhaust pipe (cylinders 1 + 3) on my
'86
>> vanagon. It looks like one side (passenger side) is attached to the
cylinder
>> head with two bolts, while the other side is attached with two nuts? Is
this
>> normal? Can a turn out the studs on the driver's side and replace them
with
>> bolts?