Proper tightening procedure when replacing front LCAs

soduka

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I want to make sure I get this right when I go in to replace my front LCAs and sway bar links next week. I've read through the Search function that when you put on the new LCA you need to tighten it with pressure/weight on it so you don't have the car resting improperly on the boot.

Can anyone give me a better visualization of how to achieve this proper?


Do I reattach all the components to the arm, thread the nut on the LCA's ball joint bolt, put the tire back on, lower the car so there's weight on it, and then tighten it from there?
 
I did this when installing the new shock/spring assembly in the front, snugged up the lower bolt going through the fork of the shock and lower control arm and lowered the jack, rolled it out a few feet then crawled under and tightened the bolt..not sure if this is what you're talking about or not though.
 
ideally, you want the car to be on a 4 post lift with the weight of the car compressing the suspension.

do not torque it while the wheels are hanging
 
Just put the car up on four jack stands with the stands under the suspension and tighten to spec.
 
Bumping my own thread for a slightly different question. Does anyone know the various nut sizes on all of the parts connected into the LCA?

This link >>> http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/tech/lincoln-mark-viii/ball-joints/

Is only so much help because he doesn't remove the arm so he doesn't get into removing the shock bolt, frame bolt, etc. Want to make sure I have wrenches/sockets big enough and I don't think I do.
 
IIRC, you'll need a 22mm for the strut rod-to-LCA nut and the lower ball joint nut. And I think a 13/16ths for the LCA-to-frame nut. I'm 99.9999% sure about the 22mm but pretty sure about the 13/16ths. I know it was an English size when I replaced the d/s LCA on my car but honestly I can't remember perfectly.
 

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