housing end studs..where?

you can use the studs that hold the center section in ( also 3/8 -24 )-- grind a flat on the head of the stud to clear the back of the housing flange and you may have to shorten the threaded length a bit -- drive or pull them into the flange end -- if you cannot find 8-3/4 center section studs go to the junkyard and get some 9 inch Ford center section studs ( also 3/8 -24 ) and do the same procedure as stated above.