If you are running NATO steel wheels on your SIII, then yes, the studs will be short. Not sure about a half inch, but the studs are short enough that they don't stick out from the nut.
Here's the way I've been driving for the past 9 years using the NATO steel wheels:
I THINK Teriann's vast site had a document from Land Rover that specified an increased torque for the lug nuts when using in this rim on military SIIIs, though I can't find it anymore. Maybe it wasn't her site. Either way, mine have never loosened in 9 years of daily use.
Last edited by SafeAirOne; 11-12-2013 at 11:03 AM.
--Mark
1973 SIII 109 RHD 2.5NA Diesel
0-54mph in just under 11.5 minutes
(9.7 minutes now that she's a 3-door).