Dan, the self locking nuts holding the ball joint assembly to the control arm are not the type with an insert. Instead they are "misshapen" at the top end--sort of oval. I always use the new ones supplied with a new ball joint but have, on many occassions, reused them when swapping in used parts. Have never had a problem. The suggestion to use the trans crossmember is a new one to me--I always lift from the engine/suspension crossmember being careful to place the jack pad so the teeth catch the back end but not so far back as to hit the oil pan. The advantage I can see in using the trans crossmember is that it will lift the car a bit more. -- Dave