I put a new set of boots from beck & arnley on my car last year and they are holding up great. do you have a power or manual rack & pinion? The boots do need to be changed pronto though. Spring is coming fast.
But please, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES USE GEAR OIL IN THAT TRANS YOU WILL @#$% IT UP!
You are supposed to use dextron with mercon atf like in an automatic. I believe that dextron III is ok but I read somewhere that dextron V is not. You may want to ask Ford to be for sure or pm Iceracerdude, he probably knows for sure.