Not uncommon for them to Shatner on the earlier models, but since you're doing the control arms too, get 97-03 / 06-08 lower control arms and a solid sway bar for 97-03 / 06-08. And poly endlinks.
Not so common. I don't recall ever seeing them work half way. They do or don't. Plugs were only good for 100k, so those are definitely toast.