Since the strut mounting bolts are supposed to be single use and should be replaced when changing struts I was wondering if everyone just buys new bolts from Ford, which are quite expensive, or uses some cheaper alternative.

 

These are not TTY bolts and many of us have retorqued them many times for camber adjustment, spring replacement, etc...

 

Yes you can reuse them, I've repalced many a strut !

 

The only reason Ford recommends replacing them and almost any other nut/bolt on these vehicles is due to the locking function (one time use). If you look at the nut you will see the the outer rim is trianguler, which squeezes onto the bolt while torqueing and prevents it from backing off. Basically it's covering there butt by saying replace it just in case it doesn't lock properly at the specified torque the next time and happens to back off causing something bad to happen. Now TTY are a must to replace.

If you are going to reuse anything just put some blue locktite in them and you'll be fine. I am a technician for a living and I assure you that locktite will work just fine. Most repair shops do not replace fasteners unless the are tty or a absolute must.