A mechanism for securing a vehicle protection system to an axle of a vehicle is provided. The mechanism may include a plurality of studs that are configured to secure the vehicle protection system and the backing plate of a brake assembly to an axle flange of a vehicle's axle. Each stud may include an outer end separated from an inner end by a spacer. The outer end may also include an expanded section adjacent the spacer that can be positioned within bolt holes of the axle flange. The expanded section may include knurls for forming a press fit within the bolt holes.