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What rear end are you running?? If its an 8 3/4 it may a better move in the long run, to get aftermarket axles for about $350 than to spend $100+ getting stock axles modified, particularly if your putting any power to the ground. (change to "green bearings" while your at it) Aftermarket axles can be ordered with dual bolt patterns so if you want to upgrade to the larger bolt pattern later, you can just move the studs to a different set of holes.
There should be no problem with the 1/2" studs and shank style lugs. I don't know about stock style steel wheels, but it should be possible with proper conical style lug nuts.
If you have a 8-1/4 or 7-1/4 rear end, upgrading to 1/2 studs may not be very helpful, as the studs are not likely the weak point in the setup.
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I had to go with 1/2" on the rear in the duster since someone screwed up 1 axle trying to put RH thread studs in it. I just went to napa with a stock 7/16 stud and found a 1/2" stud with a slightly larger knurled area and drilled out the axles with a hand drill. The OE 1/2 mopar lugs had a much larger knurled area and would be real close to the outside of the flange.
Mic the shank on the 7/16 lugs and order 1/2 lugs with the same shank size, The studs I used were for a ford truck, about 2 3/4" long. I may be able to get some measurements in a few days cause there's a 50/50 chance that I'm getting it back.
If your axles are ok there may be a long 7/16 for GM apps since they're all 7/16, it would save a bunch of work- EDIT moroso sells long 7/16 studs, about $11 for a pack of 5 but you need to find out the knurl size on the stock lugs first- they have .480" and .560".