Re-torqueing control arms to specifications

[ShadowsPapa]

Thank you for your responses. I did get the torque sheet off of this site. There are two of them. One that does give the foot pounds and angles and one that just gives foot pounds. I never used the data with angles, not sure how to even make that happen. The one with foot pounds seems straight forward.

But not tight as the correct factory specs. The other sheet you got is old and the lift kit specs.
It's really simple to do the torque plus angle - a hex head bolt has 6 corners and 6 flats. There are 360 degrees in a circle. That means each time you move one "corner" of a bolt to where another corner just was, you have turned it 60 degrees - 6 x 60 is a full circle. So you can go by the flats or corners of a bolt head. You have to estimate a bit for numbers that aren't evenly divided into 360.

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[ShadowsPapa]

No sarcasm at all. Just trying to learn the best way, from those who know.

Was referring to whysoserious's post - he implied it was enjoyable, even fun. He probably likes swimming with alligators, too, though.

 

[NorthCountry]

That's making sense. Thank you. I can mark the frame with a punch and rotate each corner of the bolt accordingly.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

That's making sense. Thank you. I can mark the frame with a punch and rotate each corner of the bolt accordingly.

Yes, or I find paint pens, colored markers, whatever, also handy (but you have to clean the frame for those to work)

I think you have a good understanding of it.

I tell young people today - please pay attention in math class! You will eventually need it - be it for finances, making sure you aren't cheated getting change back, or working on Jeeps. When I farmed, I had to track a couple of odd shaped fields - I35 cut through them at an angle and made tracking acreage for the government a bit of a chore.

I am a bit concerned about @whysoserious though - if he has that much fun doing torque under a vehicle.

 

[NorthCountry]

Thank you for your time and sharing a few words of wisdom. We have a pit up in the barn. I can drive the jeep over and make the job a little easier. Thanks again and as always safe travels.

 

[Gvsukids]

Am I reading it right when it says to torque the front lower control arms at the frame to 190 ft. lbs. I better eat my Wheaties for that one..lol.
Thank you for the responses and safe travels.

Use a floor jack to raise the torque wrench enough to click.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Use a floor jack to raise the torque wrench enough to click.

this works for the lower arm rear bolts -

And for the lower arm front bolts, I've had success with this -
Just reach in and pull up, or, push down, which-ever is necessary ->

It takes time and patience, but you can do the lowers without really being under the thing.

 

[NorthCountry]

Thank you for the tips. I found the data sheet on the site which has the foot pounds and angles. If I'm understanding it right. I would torque bolt to 103 foot pounds and then rotate bolt head an extra 145 degrees.
Sorry for dragging this topic out. I would just rather learn to do it myself than taking it to the dealership. I find a lot of satisfaction cranking my own wrenches.
Thanks again.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Thank you for the tips. I found the data sheet on the site which has the foot pounds and angles. If I'm understanding it right. I would torque bolt to 103 foot pounds and then rotate bolt head an extra 145 degrees.
Sorry for dragging this topic out. I would just rather learn to do it myself than taking it to the dealership. I find a lot of satisfaction cranking my own wrenches.
Thanks again.

I knew you understood. That's it exactly.
They do that because the threads are like a ramp, stretching the bolt and exact amount with each turn.

 

[NorthCountry]

Thanks for the help and sharing your words of wisdom. Safe travels.
I see you have a 1973 Javelin. Does it have the 304 engine? A classic for sure..
Thanks again.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Thanks for the help and sharing your words of wisdom. Safe travels.
I see you have a 1973 Javelin. Does it have the 304 engine? A classic for sure..
Thanks again.

360, bored with Comp cam, headers, dual quads.........

 

[NorthCountry]

Awesome, nice ride for sure. I came across one in a barn, covered with hay dust and chickens. The owner was holding on to it for his grandson. Nice cars.
Thanks again..

 

[CPJT]

How often should you check and re-torque your control arm bolts to specifications. I heard every 3000 to 5000 miles.
Any feed back is always appreciated.

After every fill up

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