Hey clay, as far as the oil leak and burning you noticed...I'm pretty sure it's the rear main, as I said to you over the phone. The reason you might have seen the smoke come up the front of the engine is because a drop of oil probably hit the rear exhaust as it dripped off the bottom of the pan, and at that point, the smoke will rise however it can. Be assured though, the rear main is not a fast leak at all. Like I told you prior, it will take about a quart in between oil changes, and to the best of my knowledge, it's not caused any clutch related malady yet. I'd say, watch your oil level, check it every 1,000 miles or so, and when it comes time for a new clutch, tackle the rear main at that time. That was my long term plan at least. Good luck. I'll see you Friday.
Joe
PS: about the ALSBs: I pulled the bolts with the ALSBs for that very reason: in case my old bolts were corroded. The bolts I took out with the ALSBs look brand new. In any case, I know the car has had all the recall work done to it in the past, including the subframe rear plate nut replacement campaign, special service campain #98S36 at about 45,000 on January 1999 (it's in the records, work was performed at Markel Ford). The only recall currently withstanding is the cruise control recall...I never got to getting that done b/c the Ford dealership I go to never had the kits in stock when I would inquire about it), so I think the ALSBs should be good to go as for installing them.
scared
