Main cap bolts, Rod Bolts 4.6 Windsor

[BrandonB]

So I am seeing now that apparently the main and rod bolts are TTY? The topic is all over other forums, some say to reuse, some say don't. Seems the ultimate way of looking at the topic is "proceed at your own risk".

So needless to say, i'm looking at my options.

Any suggestions where to get cheap, but good bolts? The ARP brand ones are pretty expensive everywhere i've been looking.

Thanks!

 

[stamp11127]

For stock setups there is nothing wrong with oem bolts. I would verify they are tty before spendimg some bucks. Prices will vary so shop around.
Not sayimg they aren't tty but I've never heard of them being used in those places.

 

[BrandonB]

For stock setups there is nothing wrong with oem bolts. I would verify they are tty before spendimg some bucks. Prices will vary so shop around.
Not sayimg they aren't tty but I've never heard of them being used in those places.

I checked the service manual. It doesn't have the big flashy "torque to yield" warning like head bolts do, but it does say to discard the main top, side and rod bolts.

I'd rather er on the side of caution. I'm rebuilding for the long haul, so i'd rather put the engine in the best shape as possible and minimize my potential points of failure, even if it takes me longer to rebuild it.

I'm going to call the stealership in the morning and see what they will charge for new ones. Looking online at fordparts.com it looks like they will charge $50 for the connecting rod bolts, which isn't terrible I guess. $30 for the side bolts and $50 for the main bolts.

 

[stamp11127]

This is from the factory manual for the 2000 4.6 / 5.4:

CAUTION: Verify that the connecting rods and rod caps have orientation numbers cast into them. If not, number the connecting rods and rod caps for correct orientation.

Remove the bolts and the connecting rod caps. Discard the bolts.

..................

Remove the fasteners.
Remove and discard the cross-mounted main cap bolts.
Remove the dowels.
Remove and discard the main bearing cap bolts.

I would take that as they are tty