Never put a vehicle on jack stands before (I've just risked working with a bottle jack) - time to change that.

Honestly, I'm more nervous about doing this wrong than I am about the repairs.

For the front and rear, I know where the hoist points are from the service manual, but you can't jack there and place stands there at the same time ... right?

How do I distinguish between a good and bad jack or jack stand point other than the four listed in the service manual?

Can I use...

Differential (Ford says not to)?
Under the shocks?
Cross members on the frame?
Other places?

How about getting both wheels in the front up?

I have a 2.25 ton jack - I assume I should go bigger?

I have 6 ton harbor freight stands. Good enough?

I know the rule about keeping the jack positioned and having a tire in place to give triple protection (with the jack stands).

Other advice?