Question about torquing rear control arms and other suspension

[darkmatterjadepig]

I am installing the AEV 2 inch spacer lift on my Mojave and I have seen a few comments about torquing all the suspension bolts while the vehicle is on the ground with the tires on, etc. I might not have the right tools but I don't see how it is possible to reach some of the bolts with the torque wrench while the rear tires are on. There is at least one bolt on the lower control arm that seems like it would be absolutely impossible to fit a torque wrench with the tire on.

Is is really necessary to have the vehicle on the ground with tires on for torquing the suspension bolts? If so, does anyone have any first hand experience doing this and can share some tips?

Thank you, sorry if this is in the wrong place I am a newbie.

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[darkmatterjadepig]

This seems to be a mojave specific issue because of the shocks

 

[Camaroboi13]

Leave the tires off and support the axle with jack stands. You’re just looking for the full weight of the truck resting on all its suspension components before tightening everything down.

 

[whysoserious]

Can you not get a box/open end wrench on one side?

 

[darkmatterjadepig]

Leave the tires off and support the axle with jack stands. You’re just looking for the full weight of the truck resting on all its suspension components before tightening everything down.

I see, that makes sense. Thank you, much appreciated!

 

[darkmatterjadepig]

Can you not get a box/open end wrench on one side?

I can but I cant get the torque wrench on the other, the shock mount is in the way.

 

[whysoserious]

I can but I cant get the torque wrench on the other, the shock mount is in the way.

Unless I'm not understanding, I just put the torque wrench on the side of the Bolt/nut I can get to, and the other end gets the open end wrench. I also have a Mojave.

 

[Not2Late]

I did the jack stand trick as suggested. My biggest issue was not having enough leverage in the confines of working under the vehicle in the driveway. I bought a set of extended length ratcheting box wrenches. I wasn't able to use a torque wrench on everything, but I am sure things are tight. For good measure, drive it for a week, then check all the bolts/nuts again.

 

[darkmatterjadepig]

Unless I'm not understanding, I just put the torque wrench on the side of the Bolt/nut I can get to, and the other end gets the open end wrench. I also have a Mojave.

Maybe my torque wrench is too chunky but if I were to try to reach the rear bolt on the rear lower control arm with the tire on, it wouldnt be possible with my torque wrench because of the shock bracket.

 

[CrazyCooter]

Seems like I just put an extension so I can go behind the shock?

 

[Rusty PW]

Drive up some ramps. That's what I do to get extra clearance.

 

[Minty JL]

Floor jack under the wrench so you have both hands available for the torque wrench is an old school trick

 

[Splenda]

Definitely support the axle with two jack stands and remove the wheels. For bolts that need to be torqued and can't be reached with a torque wrench, you can use a crow's foot on the torque wrench.

 

[mendiola21]

Definitely support the axle with two jack stands and remove the wheels. For bolts that need to be torqued and can't be reached with a torque wrench, you can use a crow's foot on the torque wrench.

This is the way

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