Front Suspension Control Arms, Torque Bushing Nuts with Wt of Car on Wheels?

[tim87tr]

According to my service manual, the front suspension LCA and UCA bushing nuts are supposed to be final torqued with the weight of the car on the wheels. With the car on ramps, I can get to the LCA to frame nuts. I really don't think I can get to the UCA bushing nuts for a final torque to 85 lb-ft.

I have the passenger side suspension back on, getting ready to start the drivers side. Since the passenger side is complete on the car, can I go ahead and torque the UCA bushing nuts? I have to take the car in for allignment when I finish the drivers side, so maybe that is something they have to do with a special tool? TIA, Tim

 

[NOKA72]

tim whats up...you are on the right track....tighten ca bushings best you can by hand but not locked up...do you understand what i mean...drive it nicely to the shop and now up in the air on their ramp style hoist you will be able to torque everything easier..and dont forget if you use an extension add ft lbs to your 85 lbs....check the manual for how many ft lbs to every inch of extension...hth vinny

 

[tim87tr]

Thanks, I was not aware of the additional lb-ft for the extension, and can mention that to the allignment shop. I thought I should be ok driving it to the shop, but figured there was some trick to torqueing the front UCA bushings without the wheels on, that I didn't know about. I will just have that done at the shop on the lift when it is easier. If I had a lift, about all the work I've done on the cars would be much easier.