Why did you have to take off the upper a-arm in the front?
Heading this direction with my own Gen III, so I'm grateful for the excellent writeup! Remind me...are the sway bars still installed?
Looks good. I didnt remove my upper tower when I did mine, but it will def make it easier with it out. Once that OME gets broke in and softens up a little bit you will be pleased. I have 60k on mine and still love it.
Looks great! Did you get an alignment afterwards? I had used the alignment equipment at work and found the 2 front camber bolts on the front suspension and all on the rear seized in the bushing. I had to buy new bolts from the dealer ($20 each with the plate and nut) and cut out the control arms. Replaced them all with new ones from rock auto (Mevotech) and lined it all up. Finally, no pulls or popping noises.
I love your rig. Mine looks pretty much like yours did when you began, except it's the XLS, and I think I will be "borrowing" many of your mods.
One of the best Gen III Monteros I've seen.