1. Easier installation. No need to store struts AND bolts. Studs are already attached to the strut, slam into place, torque the nuts, done. With a bolt, you'd have to line up the strut, carefully insert each bolt, then hold the bolt while you torque the nut. Running studs probably cuts install time by 75%.The most important thing I learned here is that it is trivial to flip the lower shock bolts. Why Ford didn't just do that to start baffles me.
Remember kids, an automaker's #1 goal is "How cheap can I build this?" They do not care what it takes to maintain or repair as long as it lasts through the warranty period.
2. Safer. If those nuts back off the strut, or even if the studs get sheared off even with the bottom of the control arm, the remaining stud length will keep the strut engaged in the control arm and in theory, as long as you never bottom out the suspension, it will all stay in place and you can drive home. If you bolt it up from the bottom, if the nuts fall off or if the bolt heads get sheared off, the bolt can fall out and the suspension will collapse.
If you're worried about trail damage, then cut the studs off flush with the nuts.
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