This was my 2012 Duratec manifold. You can see the painted plate against the head, and the blown over 4 into 1 section.
That's a long bolt you have there, Dave! Not like you at all unless there is something that is missing.
I'd guess that in other (Ford) applications, the OEM manifold has a thicker flange plate, so the studs are long enough for this. If the studs were cut down, the removal of the star-profiled end would mean you couldn't easily remove them if a nut became seized.
