Been doing some up keep on my truck, when I replace parts I like to use the original hardware when I can. Sometimes I will order the hardware from Ford when ordering the part, other times I reuse the original hardware and just clean it up with a wire wheel.

Today for some reason I the original nut from the bump stop will not fit the new one....so...

When replacing hardware, if the part is not requiring high torque tightness, would you go with stainless steel hardware? Also, I am wondering what you call what the factory uses for nuts and bolts where they are I guess wide at the bottom, and from my assumption are like that such that no washer is needed?

 

You're referring to flanged nuts and flanged bolts. Usually they are grade 8 with some sort of passivation done, black oxide or black phosphate. I get them from my Ace hardware. Definitely have a more stock look vs a zinc plated bolt.

McMaster also carries them and will order through them on oddball sizes.

 

Re-using bolts and cleaning up the threads is perfectly fine I do it all the time with anything I work on. If it’s underbody I usually will even coat the heat in anti-seize to protect it from our road sprays we have in the Pacific Northwest.

It it’s a hard to reach location or something not commonly done at all ( oil pan gasket bolts) I would absolutely consider SS. Now SS isn’t quite as strong as iron that’s why it depends on location. But get a good grade SS. Everything rusts with time, it’s just how long it prevents it. A good grade is something like (304) 18-8 grade for auto use.

New motor I’m getting I’m using new 18-8 SS bolts on my oil pan gasket as all hopefully never have to crack them open again later.

Try not to waste to much money buying a “ford” bolt compared to any bold supplier. Usually they can match or exceed grade quality for 1/6 the price. It just gets harder trying to find some of the flanged bolts. If you can’t find them flanged, you can just substitute it for a regular hex head bolt.

Amazon actually is a descent place I’ve gotten some bolts.
https://www.amazon.com/M8-1-25-Flanged-Flange-Hexagon-Stainless/dp/B07SQPP64T

sorry for spelling, on phone