Thanks for the responses. I believe it is the original upper and lower shock mounting studs. I have attempted to include a pic of a similar bracket.

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y393/Mario572/bracket.jpg

It does appear to be a fixed stud. In that case, does the eye of the shock with the rubber grommet simply slide on and off the post? My better judgement is telling me that is not the case but can't see how else it would work. The retailer I am going to buy the shocks from tell me that there is an $8 installation kit for the front shocks (they are sending a pic of the kit).