Lower Control Arm Torquing

[danlow]

I am refurbishing the front-end suspension on my (new to me) 2006 TJ. The lower control arm torque spec is 130 foot-pounds which I barely was able to do on the passenger side where I had plenty of clearance and could push down on the wrench. However, on the driver's side, I will have to push upward since the torque wrench has to point toward the aft end of the car due to the differential. I am not sure I can physically do that to 130 foot-pounds. Any advice? I am using a manual torque wrench and have ordered semi-deep sockets for clearance, so I think I will be able to attach and use the torque wrench with those.

Last ditch, I will torque it as much as I can and ask the alignment shop to finish the torquing when I get it aligned...

Thanks!

 

[Mac57]

I am refurbishing the front-end suspension on my (new to me) 2006 TJ. The lower control arm torque spec is 130 foot-pounds which I barely was able to do on the passenger side where I had plenty of clearance and could push down on the wrench. However, on the driver's side, I will have to push upward since the torque wrench has to point toward the aft end of the car due to the differential. I am not sure I can physically do that to 130 foot-pounds. Any advice? I am using a manual torque wrench and have ordered semi-deep sockets for clearance, so I think I will be able to attach and use the torque wrench with those.

Last ditch, I will torque it as much as I can and ask the alignment shop to finish the torquing when I get it aligned...

Thanks!

Torque it down (in this case up) by hand as best as you can. Then put a jack under the end of the torque wrench handle and jack it up until you get to specs.

 

[danlow]

Wow, what a GREAT idea!!! I will try it as soon as my semi-deep socket arrives!

Thanks!

 

[tworley]

Flip the bolt to the other side of the mount?

 

[KennethS]

ask the alignment shop to finish the torquing when I get it aligned...

Why not do the alignment yourself?